(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Dr. Conrad Murray admitted giving Michael Jackson a powerful anaesthetic six nights a week for two months before his death, a court has heard.

The 50-year-old pop icon died on June 25 2009 of acute Propofol intoxication by intravenous injection of another. Propofol is a powerful anaesthetic usually given to surgery patients to help them sleep.

Murray, Jacksons personal physician, has been charged with his involuntary manslaughter, which he denies. A preliminary hearing began in Los Angeles last week, during which it will be decided if he should face a full trial. It will last around two weeks. Detective Orlando Martinez took the stand yesterday, and discussed what Murray had told him about Jacksons use of Propofol. According to the policeman, the doctor admitted giving the singer Propofol at 10.40am on June 25 2009. The court has previously heard Murray was distracted by various phone calls when he should have been monitoring Jackson, but he told police he only stepped away for two minutes. When he came back, the pop icon was not breathing.

Murray also reportedly told police he had administered other sedatives to Jackson that day.

During the course of the hearing it has been alleged that Murray waited before calling emergency services, with claims Jackson was dead before paramedics got to his rented Los Angeles mansion.

Martinez was asked if Murray had given a reason for not summoning help immediately, and replied: He said he was caring for his patient and he did not want to neglect him.

Murray allegedly admitted giving Jackson 25mg. of Propofol, which is half the usual dosage. He apparently said the singer was complaining of being unable to sleep. The doctor allegedly admitted he was concerned Jackson was addicted to the anaesthetic and was trying to help him stop using it.

The court also heard from pharmacist Tim Lopez yesterday, who said Murray bought 255 vials of the anaesthetic in the three months running up to June 2009. He also bought sedatives called benzodiazepines.

Murray first got in touch with Lopez in November 2008 to ask about buying a cream used to treat skin condition vitiligo, which Jackson suffered from. He said he had a lot of patients who suffered with the ailment.

In March the following year Murray ordered more cream, then in April he asked for different medications.

He specifically asked about Propofol and saline bags, Lopez said.

After Jacksons death, 12 vials of the anaesthetic were found at his home. (C) Cover Media