Michael Jackson's former doctor appeared in court yesterday on manslaughter charges in connection with the singer's death.

Dr Conrad Murray, who has pleaded not guilty, is accused of administering the drug – propofol – which killed Jackson last June.

At the procedural hearing in Los Angeles, Judge Michael Pastor adjourned the case until June, when Dr Murray will learn whether he is to be suspended from being able to practise medicine.

California's attorney general has previously called for the doctor to have his license revoked pending the full trial.

However, Dr Murray's lawyers argue that he needs continue to practise medicine to pay for his defence, reports the BBC.

Jackson's family – including his parents, Katherine and Joe, and three siblings – attended yesterday's hearing.

Fans also rallied around the late star outside the courthouse, jeering Dr Murray as he arrived.

Dr Murray pleaded not guilty in February to a charge of involuntary manslaughter over the singer’s death.

He was working with Jackson ahead of his ill-fated comeback gigs in London.

(by Jason Gregory)