As the trial into Michael Jackson's death draws to a close, the man at the centre of the accusations has revealed he won't take to the stand. When asked by the judge if he intended to give evidence, Dr Conrad Murray held his hands over his mouth in a praying gesture. He paused and looked at his lawyers before saying: "My decision is I will not testify in this matter." When pressed on whether he understood the repercussions of his decision, the judge concluded that the defendant had made his choice "freely and explicitly".
There had been speculation on whether Dr Murray would take the stand since the defence began their case last week. On Monday, the medic told the court that he still hadn't made a decision on whether he would testify. Prosecutors claim that Dr Murray administered the fatal dose of the anaesthetic propofol which killed the king of pop in June 2009. His defence team have countered their claims, painting the cardiologist as a thorough and caring professional who took risks to help the poor. Last week, Las Vegas resident Andrew Guest, 48, told jurors: "I believe that Dr Murray is not getting a fair shake."
"I believe he needs support. I am alive today because of that man." The physician has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter. He could face up to four years behind bars and the loss of his medical licence if found guilty. Closing arguments in the six-week case will begin on Thursday.
