Jackson doctor to stand trial for manslaughter

Michael Jackson's doctor was ordered to stand trial for involuntary manslaughter after a judge heard that he gave the pop star a powerful anaesthetic and other sedatives then left him alone.

Prosecutors in Los Angeles said Conrad Murray acted outside the standard of medical care when he administered propofol and failed to provide proper treatment.

Jackson's family welcomed the news. "I'm happy so far," LaToya Jackson said as she left court. Randy Jackson thanked prosecutors while flashing a peace sign outside the courtroom.

Murray, 57, has pleaded not guilty.His lawyers have said he did not give Jackson anything that should have killed him. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted.

He admitted giving Jackson propofol after a night administering lesser drugs to help him sleep. The doctor said he then left the room for "two minutes" but on returning found the singer had stopped breathing. Jackson died aged 50 in June 2009.

Judge Michael Pastor also suspended Murray's licence to practise medicine in California in the interest of public safety.

One of Murray's lawyers, Joseph Low, argued the case should be dismissed because prosecutors had not proved how his client had caused Jackson's death. He said the star's health may have contributed.

But deputy district attorney David Walgren said: "In contrast to Mr Low's comment, let me just say, it was not Michael Jackson's time to go.
Because of Dr Murray's actions, Michael's children are left without a father."