Delay sought in trial of Michael Jackson's doctor

Defence attorneys on Friday asked for a delay in the manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's doctor, saying they needed more time to review new reports from prosecution witnesses.

Los Angeles superior court judge Michael Pastor scheduled a hearing on Monday to consider the request, which comes 10 days before the scheduled start of opening arguments on May 9.

Dr Conrad Murray has pleaded not guilty to the involuntary manslaughter of the pop star, who died in June 2009 from an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol.

Prosecutors said on Friday they wanted to call an additional medical expert at the trial to counter what are expected to be suggestions by Murray''s defense team that the "Thriller" singer swallowed propofol by himself.

Murray's lawyers argued they needed more time to prepare to cross examine the new witness.

Murray has admitted giving Jackson propofol as a sleep aid as he rehearsed for a comeback tour, but denies it was a fatal dose. The 50 year-old singer died at his rented Los Angeles home on June 25, 2009.