Conrad Murray loses appeal in Michael Jackson involuntary manslaughter case
Conrad Murray’s bid to have his conviction for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson overturned has been rejected by a Los Angeles court.
The Los Angeles appeal court ruled there was substantial evidence of guilt laid out at Conrad Murray’s trial in 2011.
Conrad Murray was sentenced to four years in jail, but was released last October after serving two years of his term.
The former doctor was convicted of administering a lethal dose of an anaesthetic drug to Michael Jackson in 2009.
In a ruling amounting to 68 pages, the court said Michael Jackson “was a vulnerable victim and that [Conrad Murray] was in a position of trust, and violated the trust relationship by breaching standards of professional conduct in numerous respects”.
The court also said that imposing the maximum sentence of four years at the original trial was right, as the evidence revealed a “callous disregard” for Michael Jackson’s health and safety.
They added that it was clear that Conrad Murray “administered a number of dangerous drugs to Mr. Jackson without the appropriate medical equipment, precautions or personnel in place”.
Conrad Murray’s bid to have his conviction for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson overturned has been rejected by a Los Angeles court
Their ruling also concluded that Conrad Murray had been wrong to leave Michael Jackson unattended at the time.
Conrad Murray’s appeal argued that the trial judge had excluded jurors from hearing evidence.
It was also argued that the judge quashed attempts by Conrad Murray’s lawyers to introduce arguments about other doctors who had treated Michael Jackson.
His legal representative Valerie Wass said that Conrad Murray’s intention is to take the matter to a higher court.
In a separate development, the insurers of Michael Jackson’s This Is It tour have settled with the late singer’s estate over a policy amounting to $17.5 million.
The wrangle over the matter was due to go to trial next month.
The policy was taken out to insure against postponement or cancellation of the series of London concerts. Michael Jackson died of a drugs overdose while preparing for the shows.
Lloyd’s of London had asked for the policy to be declared null and void, saying they were not told that the star was taking powerful medication.
Details of the settlement have not been disclosed.
A series of legal cases have taken place since Michael Jackson’s death more than four years ago.
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