Murray Sentenced to 4 Years in Jail
[UPDATE | Nov. 29, 2011, 9:53 a.m.: Judge Michael Pastor has sentenced Conrad Murray to four years in prison without probation.
"I think Dr. Murray is so reckless...that I believe he is a danger to the community," Judge Pastor said.
Murray will serve his sentence in the Los Angeles County Jail, and must pay restitution to the Jackson family. A separate hearing will take place to determine how much Murray will have to pay, to be held on Jan. 23, 2012.]
Murray appeared in a Downtown Los Angeles courtroom Tuesday, three weeks after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
Members of Jackson's family attended the sentencing but chose not to speak outbefore the sentence was handed down. Brian Panish, the Jackson family attorney, read a statement in court prepared by the family.
"We are not here to seek revenge. Impose a sentence reminding doctors to do no harm," the statement read. "We will keep the love in our hearts."
Murray told detectives he had given Jackson nightly doses of propofol to help him sleep as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts. Propofol has never been approved for sleep treatments, but Murray acknowledged giving it to Jackson then leaving the room on the day the singer died.
Prosecutors cited Murray's statements in their sentencing memorandum to advocate that he receive the maximum sentence. They also want him to pay restitution to Jackson's three children--Prince, Paris, and Blanket.
It's unlikely Murray will be able to pay any sizeable sum of money, as the doctor was in debt before he agreed to serve as Jackson's physician for $150,000 a month. The singer died before Murray received any money.
Murray's trial was watched closely by Michael Jackson's fans via online live streams and television broadcasts. Fan groups are planning to return to the courthouse to vie for the few public seats available for the sentencing.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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ridiculous, Jackson knew exactly what he was taking!