A broken syringe found under Michael Jackson's bed could be used to prove that the singer killed himself, it has been reported.

Doctor Conrad Murray is currently accused of administering Jackson with a lethal dose of the anaesthetic propofol on the day that he died.

Murray's lawyers are expected to claim that Jackson injected himself with the lethal dose of sedative Propofol while the doctor was out the room, The Sun reports.

A source in the case said: "The defence will be based around the claim Michael gave himself the fatal dose. While there was medical equipment in the room Murray clearly did use, he'll claim he did not touch this particular syringe. It could prove a crucial and controversial piece of evidence."

Dr Murray, who was working with Jackson ahead of his ill-fated comeback gigs, could face four years in prison if convicted. The trial will be televised.

(by Holly Frith)