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Old video footage showing a drug-dependent Michael Jackson will be used in the trial of his doctor to show the depth of his addiction.

Personal physician, Doctor Conrad Murray is set to stand trial for the involuntary manslaughter of the late pop star, who suffered a cardiac arrest as a result of a fatal cocktail of drugs administered by Murray.

Lawyers for Murray hope that the footage will show Jackson’s drug dependency and prove that their client is not guilty for his death. Instead proving that the Thriller star knew how to self-administer and had battled a pill addiction for over 17 years.

Murray’s defence will also call two of Jackson’s three children to the stand to discuss how their father praised Murray and claimed that he was “making him better.”

A legal source close to the doctor told the News Of The World newspaper that his legal team were building a strong and robust defence case.

“A key element will be on-camera interviews Michael Jackson gave where he discusses and admits his drug use and others where he appears to be intoxicated.

“In effect, Michael Jackson himself will be the defence’s star witness as they set out to prove he was a seasoned and habitual user and knew how to self-administer.

“They will try to prove that Jackson was in poor health and therefore the build-up of drugs and the effects of further doses were increased tenfold because of a weakened system.

“For those reasons, they will say Murray is not culpable and should therefore be found not guilty.”

Key videos will include footage of a frail Jackson during his This Is It tour rehearsals and in a 2007 court deposition where he discusses his pain medication.

The defence will also show videos where he slurs his words and appears drunk in rehearsal for a film role at his Neverland home.

Published: 09 February 2010
Issue: 0

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