Michael Jackson's kids 'defence witnesses'

Oct 1, 2010, 5:00 GMT

Michael Jackson's children could be called to the trial of his doctor Conrad Murray as defence witnesses.

The doctor - who is facing manslaughter charges after being accused of administering a lethal amount of the anesthetic Propofol to Michael Jackson prior to his death on June 25, 2009 - reportedly plans to call Prince Michael, 13, and 12-year-old Paris to his trial next year.

He is said to believe the late 'King of Pop's offspring will reveal their father had long-standing addictions, and had been ill for months prior to his sudden death.

An insider explained to the News of the World newspaper: "If they back him it will work well in the eyes of a jury."

A preliminary hearing - which will see prosecutors lay out some of the evidence against Dr. Murray - is due to take place on January 4 2011.

The 57-year-old cardiologist, who is still practicing medicine, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter, and claims he didn't give the 'Thriller' hitmaker anything that "should have killed him".

However, Joe Jackson's attorney recently likened administrating such high levels of Propofol to playing "Russian roulette" with the star's health.

Brian Oxman said: " The continuous administration of drugs over six weeks - Murray gave him Propofol every night - that is Russian roulette, that is loading six bullets into a gun with only six chambers."

The singer was also father to Prince Michael II, who is known as 'Blanket'.