Conrad Murray sentenced to four years in prison

Dr. Conrad Murray has been sentenced to four years in prison.

The medic - who was found guilty earlier this month of the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson - was given the maximum sentence by Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor today (29.11.11) although it has been speculated he could serve less than half the time.

Before announcing his decision, the judge made a statement saying: "There are those who think Conrad Murray is a saint, and those who think he's the devil. He's neither, he's a human being.

"Dr. Murray engaged in a recurring, continuous pattern of deceit and lies. There's umbrage and outrage on the part of Dr. Murray against the decedent."

He added that ultimately "Dr. Murray abandoned his patient," and called his conduct "egregious" and "a disgrace to the medical profession".

The Jackson family attorney Brian Panish, read a statement in court saying: "We still look at each other in disbelief. Is it really possible he is gone? We are not here to seek revenge. There is nothing you can do here today that will bring Michael back.

"We respectfully request you impose a sentence that reminds physicians they cannot sell their services to the highest bidder."

Dr. Murray's lawyer Ed Chernoff pleaded for leniency for his client but did admit: "Michael Jackson was a drug seeker, and Dr. Murray was wrong in providing it."

Michael died of acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009 leaving behind three children Prince, 14, Paris, 13, and 'Blanket', nine.

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