Michael Jackson trial resumes: Propofol expert defends drug

Michael Jackson's manslaughter trial has continued after a number of delays in the past week.

Conrad Murray is facing up to four years in prison if found guilty of Michael Jackson's death in 2009. A large portion of the anaesthetic drug propofol was found in Jackson's body at the time of his death.

A leading propofol expert took to the stand on Wednesday to tell the court how the drug should be administered correctly. Prosecutors have claimed that Murray ignored the correct procedures by giving Jackson the medication.

Dr Steven Schafer advised the jury that he was not being paid for his time at the trial, and that he wanted to reassure the public of the drug's capabilities, if handled correctly.

He said: "I am asked every day in the operating room, 'Are you going to give me the drug that killed Michael Jackson?'. This is a fear that patients do not need to have."



A video to provide information about the correct use of propofol was later introduced by Schafer and played in court.

He paused the video at regular intervals to demonstrate how Murray's actions are said to have differed from those recommended in the video.

Defence attorney Ed Chernoff complained about the possible use of the video, saying: "This is a dramatisation. The information can be described."

Schafer is the final witness called to the stand by the prosecution. The defence will begin calling witnesses from Friday.

The trial is scheduled to continue for another three to four weeks.

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