Trial of Michael Jackson doctor begins in Los Angeles courtroom

Conrad Murray, a physician to the late pop singer, accused of delivering fatal dose of anaesthetic to Jackson

The trial of the doctor charged over Michael Jackson's death was due to open on Tuesday, complete with some star power and a worldwide audience.

Dr Conrad Murray will appear in a packed Los Angeles courtroom, where opening statements and initial testimony will be heard. Murray is accused of delivering a fatal dose of anaesthetic to Jackson.

The singer's family, including his parents and many of his siblings, are expected to be present as dozens of reporters cover the case. Proceedings also will be televised and broadcast online.

While much is known about Jackson's June 2009 death, the trial will reveal new information and provide a detailed record of his final hours.

Murray's trial is expected to be the first time that the public hears in the defendant's own words his account of what happened in the bedroom of Jackson's rented mansion.

Prosecutors plan to call Jackson's friend and choreographer, Kenny Ortega, as their first witness.

During a pre-trial hearing on Monday night, Nareg Gourjian, a lawyer for Murray, claimed Jackson was unconscious backstage before his March 2009 London news conference for his This Is It concert series, and he appeared drunk during the announcement itself.

Murray's defence lawyers wanted a video of the news conference shown to jurors, but the judge in the case ruled against it.

The defence team is widely expected to argue that Jackson was a drug addict whose habits led to his death.

Gourjian said in court on Monday that Jackson's March 2009 news conference began 90 minutes late because "Jackson was unconscious on the sofa".

He added that Jackson appeared "hungover", citing the chief executive of concert promoter AEG Live, which was organising the shows.

He argued it was "readily apparent from watching the video that Mr Jackson was under the influence".

But judge Michael Pasto! r, who i s presiding over Murray's trial, ruled that the tape should not be shown to jurors. Pastor said the video was irrelevant because it occurred months before Jackson died.


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