Judge bars Jackson O2 footage from doctor trial

Conrad Murray goes on trial for involuntary manslaughter Tuesday over the pop icon's June 2009 death, for allegedly giving him an overdose of the powerful sedative propofol, to treat his chronic insomnia.

Judge Michael Pastor, ruling on pre-trial motions, said jurors will not be able to see footage of a chaotic press conference Jackon gave four months before his death, to announce a series of shows at London's O2 Arena.

At the London venue, Jackson announced in sometimes halting fashion that the shows would be "the final curtain call," adding repeatedly "This is it!" -- the name of the ill-fated series of concerts.

Despite the well-arranged setting -- including a video introduction of some of his greatest hits -- he took some time to emerge onto the stage, and at one point seemed uncertain about whether to talk into the microphone.

One of Murray's Nareg Gourjian, told the Los Angeles Superior Court judge that it was "readily apparent from watching the video that Mr Jackson was under the influence" at the time.

His main lawyer Ed Chernoff is expected to argue that the world-famous "Thriller" singer, addicted to sedatives and desperate for sleep, administered more of the drug himself while Murray was out of the room.

For the prosecution -- which is expected to argue that Murray negligently abandoned his patient -- Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said the March 5, 2009, video was "absolutely irrelevant."

The jury will comprise seven men and five women -- and include high school graduates, some with a college education and one with an MBA, according to questionnaires released after they were selected Friday.

The trial was originally due in March, but was delayed twice. During that time, the judge has rejected a string of requests, notably to let Jackson's former doctors testify, in what the defense hoped would prove he was a drug addict.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011