Michael Jackson's personal physician Conrad Murray has been handed the maximum jail term of four years and three weeks for the involuntary manslaughter of the pop star. Judge Michael Pastor told the shamed cardiologist he had displayed a "horrific violation of trust" in caring for Jackson.
Earlier this month, Murray, 58, was found guilty of giving the superstar a fatal overdose of the anaesthetic propofol. Before his death on June 25, 2009, Jackson was preparing to perform a series of farewell concerts at London's O2 venue, bowing out on an illustrious music career spanning several decades while aiming to restore his fortunes.
Prosecutors asked Judge Pastor for 100 million dollars (£64 million) compensation which they said Jackson would have earned as a result of the 50 concerts. They also asked for 1.8 million dollars (£1.15 million) to cover the funeral costs. Murray sat quietly with his hands crossed as Judge Pastor sentenced him, bowing his head slightly after the jail term was announced. "Dr Murray created a set of circumstances and became involved in a cycle of horrible medicine," said Judge Pastor. "The practise of propofol for medicine madness, which violated his sworn obligation, for money, fame, prestige and whatever else may have occurred."
Judge Pastor said one of the most disturbing aspects of Murray's case was a slurred recording of Jackson found on the doctor's mobile phone. "That tape recording was Dr Murray's insurance policy," the judge said. "It was designed to record his patient surreptitiously at that patient's most vulnerable point." Prosecutors at Los Angeles Superior Court said Murray has shown no remorse for Jackson's death and has placed blame on others, including Jackson himself.
Below is the entire sentencing.
Below is the entire sentencing.
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