The involuntary manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray has been delayed until May.

A US judge said both sides needed more time to prepare for the trial, which was due to commence on March 24 but will now begin on May 9.

Dr Murray, who has denied the charge, said he accepted the judge's decision, as long as the delays did not get “strung along over a long period of time”.

Prosecutors have accused Dr Murray of administering Jackson with a lethal dose of the anaesthetic propofol on the day that he died.

Dr Murray, who was working with Jackson ahead of his ill-fated comeback gigs, could face four years in prison if convicted. The trial will be televised.

(by Jason Gregory)