Michael Jackson's Doctor Ordered Not To "Sedate Anyone"

Michael Jackson

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Dr. Conrad Murray has been ordered not to “sedate anyone”, following his charge for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson.

Dr. Conrad Murray has been ordered not to “sedate anyone”, following his charge for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson.

The physician surrendered to court yesterday, and pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanour count. Judge Keith L. Schwartz set bail at $75,000, and banned Murray from being in possession of, or administering anaesthetics. Murray gave up his passport, and was booked at the court.

“I do not want you sedating people,” he said. “I’m talking about deep sedation when you’re putting someone to sleep.”

Gossip website TMZ reports the Los Angeles district attorney wanted bail to be set at $300,000, but Murray’s legal team argued that was too high as he isn’t a “flight risk”.

Michael died on June 25 last year, aged 50. Prosecutors claim Murray acted “without the caution and circumspection required” when he administered powerful sedative Propofol to Jackson – a chronic insomniac - to help him sleep. Propofol is usually administered in a hospital, and is given to surgery patients to help them sleep.

Murray’s arraignment took place at around 2pm (PT) yesterday at Airport Branch of Los Angeles Superior Court, with Murray arriving at court flanked by sheriff’s deputies but not wearing handcuffs. He walked into court to shouts of “murderer” by fans of Michael who were waiting outside, with Michael’s family also in attendance.

Judge Schwartz announced the case was to be moved to the “downtown criminal court” due to security fears, with a preliminary hearing due to take place on April 5.

The district attorney has claimed Murray “did unlawfully, and without malice, kill Michael Joseph Jackson…in the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony; and in the commission of a lawful act which might have produced death, in an unlawful manner, and without due caution and circumspection”.

Murray faces up to four years in prison if convicted, but has consistently denied his actions caused Michael’s death.

His family are upset about the charge, believing Murray should have been charged with the more serious second degree murder. “Michael was murdered and although he died at the hands of Dr. Conrad Murray, I believe Dr. Murray was a part of a much larger plan. There are other individuals involved and I will not rest, and I will continue to fight until all of the proper individuals are brought forth and justice is served,” Michael’s sister La Toya said.

His mother Katherine insisted Murray should have pleaded guilty, while the singer’s father Joe said: “I didn't like today's hearing at all. I just want justice done and that was not justice.”

Michael’s full coroner’s report has now been released, and confirms the singer died after using Propofol.

“According to the report, the manner of death is homicide and the conclusion is based on the following items: Circumstances indicate the Propofol and the benzodiazepines were administered by another; Propofol was administered in a non-hospital setting without any appropriate medical indication; The standard of care for administering Propofol was not met. Recommended equipment for patient monitoring, precision dosing and resuscitation was not present; The circumstances do not support self-administration of Propofol,” TMZ reports.

The reports also details the drugs found in Michael’s house – several, including Diazepam, Lorazepam and Clonazepam – and states Michael’s hair was “sparse”, and was “connected with a wig”.