Breaking News: Dr Guilty of Michael Jackson’s Death

Michael Jackson’s personal physician has been convicted of the involuntary manslaughter of the star by a jury in Los Angeles

Dr Conrad Murray, 58, faces up to four years in prison following his conviction. He had pleaded not guilty.

It took the jury of seven men and five women nine hours to reach their unanimous verdict after a six-week trial.

They ruled Murray gave the King of Pop a fatal overdose of the dangerous anaesthetic propofol.

Jackson’s sister LaToya, who was in court with other members of the family, whooped with delight when the verdict was read out.

Dr Murray, who will be sentenced on November 29, showed no emotion.

Murray had been hired to care for Jackson as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts at the O2 Arena in London.

Los Angeles Superior Court heard Murray gave the singer propofol to help him overcome his chronic insomnia.

But prosecutors said the use of the drug as a sleeping aid violated standards of care.

The court was told the “inept” doctor caused the star’s death through negligence, depriving Jackson’s children of their father.

Murray, who was due to be paid £150,000 a month for his role, acted in a criminally negligent way by using propofol without the backing of properly qualified medical staff or equipment, the court was told.

Prosecutors said that he botched resuscitation efforts and lied to other medical personnel about his actions.

Murray’s defence lawyers claimed Jackson self-administered the dose when Murray left the room.

The singer was found dead at his Los Angeles mansion on June 25, 2009, aged 50.

A post mortem found he had died from an overdose of propofol – which is normally used as an anaesthetic during surgery – and sedatives.