(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Dr. Conrad Murray will not take the stand to defend himself over the death of Michael Jackson.

The late singer's former physician is currently on trial for involuntary manslaughter and has plead not guilty to the charges.

It was announced today in court that Murray would not testify after telling Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor yesterday that he needed a bit more time to decide what to do.

Murray had apparently wanted to give his side of the story to the jury but his lead attorney Ed Chernoff apparently decided that it would not be a good idea for him to do so, according to RadarOnline.

His legal team are said to have thought the 58-year-old would not do well being cross examined by the tough District Attorney.

"Clients always want to testify, but in this case, Prosecutor David Walgren would be able to wear him down and Dr. Murray just wouldn't be able to overcome the basic facts of the case," a source told the site.

"Not calling 911 right away, failure to tell emergency room doctors and first responders that he had given Jackson Propofol, and not having the proper monitoring equipment."

The prosecution have already put forward their case and the defence is nearing the end so the case could be sent to the jury as early as the end of this week.

Murray faces four years in state prison and having his medical licence revoked if he is found guilty. (C) Cover Media