The doctor charged over Michael Jackson’s death has been given a preliminary trial hearing date.

Dr Conrad Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter, will appear at Los Angeles Superior Court on January 4.

The hearing will establish whether there is enough evidence for the case against Dr Murray to continue, reports the Press Association.

A judge set to date during a brief court session on Monday (August 23), which was attended by members of the late singer’s family.

Jackson died at his rented home in Los Angeles last June. He was 50.

An autopsy showed the star died from a lethal dose of the anaesthetic propofol, which is normally used in medical enviroments.

(by Jason Gregory)