Murray To Appeal Jail Term Over Jackson Death

Dr Conrad Murray has filed court papers saying he intends to appeal his involuntary manslaughter conviction for the death of singer Michael Jackson.

A single page "notice of appeal" was filed in Los Angeles against the conviction and the four-year sentence he received.

Murray was found guilty on November 7 over the death of Jackson in 2009 following an overdose of the powerful anaesthetic propofol.

The doctor was jailed for four years by Los Angeles superior court judge Michael Pastor last Tuesday, who called him a "disgrace to the medical profession."

The court filing on Murray's behalf is a first step before a full appeal being filed with California's second district court of appeal, which is expected to be asked to consider the case.

When sentencing Murray judge Pastor blasted the doctor for undertaking a "money-for-medicine" experiment that killed Jackson, 50.

The cardiologist was acting as the singer's personal physician as he prepared for a string of 50 concerts in London.

According to celebrity gossip site TMZ , Murray filed the document in pro per - indicating he would defend himself at appeal rather than use a lawyer.

It added that on the section of the filing asking for legal firm contact information Murray put "Men's Central Jail".

If Murray's appeal is unsuccessful he will likely serve about half the jail term - with a release date expected in late 2013.