By Neal Wallace

Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray has defended his use of propofol to help the singer with sleeping difficulties.

The doctor, who was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter earlier this month, was speaking in a candid TV interview recorded before his conviction.

Murray told NBC's Today programme that the amount of drugs administered to the late pop star was "inconsequential" and that Jackson had been using propofol long before the doctor stared working with him.

In court it was argued that the Thriller singer was killed as a result of negligence. The Jackson family have criticised the programme, saying it gives Murray "a platform to shift the blame".

Shown in two parts, the documentary will air on Friday in the UK. The Jackson estate has written to the programme makers urging them not to broadcast it, describing it as "inexplicable and disgusting".

Murray is due to be sentenced on November 29th and could face a maximum of four years in prison.