Michael Jackson's doctor found guilty of manslaughter

Los Angeles, Nov 8: Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter over the King of Pop's 2009 death, in an emotional climax to a six-week trial.

A few minutes later he was handcuffed after judge Michael Pastor remanded him in custody pending a November 29 sentencing hearing, while fans outside Los Angeles Superior Court erupted in joy.

There was a brief cry in the courtroom, and cheers outside, but Murray himself gave no reaction when the long-awaited verdict was announced inside a packed courtroom yesterday.

Jackson's family including mother Katherine and father Joe, and siblings Randy, Jermaine, Rebbie and La Toya were in court. His mother was hugged by Randy and appeared to cry into a tissue, after the verdict was announced.

Outside, the verdict was greeted by joy and relief. "Joy, justice, relief, finally, that's it," Jackson fan Terry Wilson told AFP amid celebratory scenes outside the downtown building where the trial began on September 27. She began crying as she screamed "guilty!' to the crowd.

"Of course he's guilty!" added another Jackson fan, J B Jones.

A lone Murray supporter held up a sign supporting the doctor and got into loud arguments with the surrounding crowd of Jackson fans, as TV news crews filmed them and a long row of police kept a watchful eye.

Murray faces up to four years in jail and could be banned from practicing medicine after his conviction in connection with Jackson's death from an overdose of propofol on June 25, 2009.

AFP