Jackson doctor can keep medical license, for now

Los Angeles: The doctor accused of administering a lethal dose of anaesthetic to popstar Michael Jackson can retain his medical license in California while awaiting criminal trial, a Los Angeles judge ruled Monday. Judge Michael Pastor rejected a request by the state`s medical board to suspend Conrad Murray`s license to practice medicine, the Los Angeles Times reported. He set Murray`s preliminary hearing date for Aug 23, celebrity news website tmz.com reported. Murray pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in the June 25, 2009, death of Jackson, caused by an overdose of the hospital anesthetic propofol. Jackson, 50, was reportedly using the drug as a sleep aid just weeks before he was due to start his comeback tour in London. IANS