Jackson's Killer Conrad Murray Set To Be Freed

Dr Conrad Murray is scheduled to walk free from jail on Monday - two years after being convicted of killing Michael Jackson.

The 60-year-old physician, who was sentenced to a four year term in October 2011, is being released early as part of a programme designed to alleviate chronic overcrowding in California's prison system.

It has angered Jackson's family and the star's multitude of fans around the world.

In recent weeks, it has been reported that Murray is seeking to hire a publicist and also regain a medical licence to practice in his home state of Texas.

Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after a jury found he was negligent in administering the surgical anaesthetic Propofol to help Jackson sleep.

Jackson died of an overdose at his home in June 2009.

The star had hired Murray as his personal doctor to accompany him on his 50-date This Is It comeback concerts in London.

In telephone interviews from inside jail, Murray has repeatedly denied that he was responsible for Jackson's death and claimed that he was trying to wean Jackson off the drug.

Murray is currently appealing his conviction and his lawyer has fielded numerous big-money offers for his first post-jail television interview.

Friends have said he is looking forward to spending time with his family and "starting his life over again".

His lawyers are also trying to have his medical licence reinstated. He remains popular with former patients in the Houston suburb of Acres Homes and many testified on his behalf during his trial.

Last month the jury in a civil court case ruled that Murray had not been unfit for the job of looking after Jackson.

They dismissed a claim by the Jackson family that concert promoter AEG Live was negligent in hiring the doctor.

The trial heard extensive detail of Murray's financial problems. Despite signing a contract for $150,000 (£92,000) a month to work for Jackson, the star died before any money was paid.