Michael Jackson's doctor to stand trial

Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, will stand trial on the charge of involuntary manslaughter of the pop star.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor says enough evidence exists to bring Dr Murray to court for the 'Thriller' singer's death in June 2009.

Jackson died principally to an overdose of the powerful anasthetic propofol.

During the court hearing, prosecutors brought a Jackson employee to the witness stand who said Murray ordered him to hide drug evidence the day the singer died. Phone records show the doctor called his girlfriend shortly after giving Jackson propofol, instead of caring for the star.

Defence attorneys suggest Jackson may have injected himself with the fatal dose.

If convicted, Murray could face up to four years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Involuntary manslaughter is defined as an unintentional killing without malice and is a lesser charge than murder.

The doctor has had his California medical license suspended.

Michael Jackson is a member of the Jackson family of singers and is among the best-selling recording artists of all time.

He died of the drug overdose only days ahead of a series of planned comeback concerts in London. Murray had been hired to care for the singer as he rehearsed for those shows.