Michael Jackson's former doctor has denied a charge of involuntary manslaughter over the singer's death, at a court in Los Angeles, reports BBC.
Michael Jackson's former doctor has denied a charge of involuntary manslaughter over the singer's death, at a court in Los Angeles, reports BBC.
Dr Conrad Murray was bailed for $75,000u00a0after pleading not guilty to "unlawfully, and without malice, killing Michael Joseph Jackson".
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A judge must decide whether to proceed to trial. A conviction could bring a jail term of up to four years.
Jackson died at his home on 25 June last year at the age of 50.
His death was ruled as homicide, mainly caused by the anaesthetic Propofol.
A cocktail of drugs - including sedatives Midazolam and Diazepam, the painkiller Lidocaine and the stimulant Ephedrine - were also detected in his body, a coroner confirmed.
Prosecutors had filed one count of involuntary manslaughter.
Dr Murray stood straight and spoke softly as he addressed the judge.
After entering his plea, Dr Murray surrendered his passport. He was then taken to have his fingerprints and a mugshot processed.
He is allowed to continue to practice medicine, but cannot use certain drugs.
Judge Keith Schwartz told Dr Murray: "You may not under any circumstances use any anaesthetic agents, specifically Propofol.
"You are not to be using that, you're not to prescribe that, you're not to have it in any manner whatsoever... and you are not to give any other heavy sedative medications like that."
The bail of $75,000 was three times the standard figure for involuntary manslaughter, but a quarter of the sum prosecutors had been seeking.
The next hearing has been set for 5 April.
Members of Michael Jackson's family - father Joe, mother Katherine, brothers Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Randy and sister LaToya - were in court for the hearing.
When asked by a reporter as he arrived what he thought about Dr Murray being charged with involuntary manslaughter, Jermaine said simply: "It's not enough".
Joe Jackson said only "looking for justice".
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