Michael Jackson sisters happy with justice

Michael Jackson's sisters La Toya and Rebbie are relieved and happy after a court jury found the late pop superstar's personal physician Conrad Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the singer's anaesthetic-induced death.

After the verdict was announced Monday, his sisters let fans know they were happy with the climax of the trial.

"Victory was served," said La Toya, while her sister added: "I'm just happy it's over with. Nothing will bring him back, but I'm just happy he (Murray) was found guilty."

La Toya confirmed she was the courtroom guest who said "Yes!" as the verdict was read.

The Jackson family has been a constant presence in court throughout the trial and Janet Jackson cut short her Australian tour to be at Monday's climax. She was joined by brothers Randy and Jermaine and her parents Joe and Katherine, contactmusic.com reported.

A statement from Katherine and Joe Jackson read: "We have been waiting for this moment for a very long time and we couldn't hold back tears of joy in the courtroom. Even though nothing can bring back our son, justice has finally been served!"

The two added: "We can't wait to go home and share this day with Michael's children."

The 50-year-old Jackson died June 25, 2009 at his Holmby Hills estate in Los Angeles when he was preparing for his comeback series of 50 sold-out London concerts.

The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office ruled Jackson died of "acute propofol intoxication".

Prosecutors accused 58-year-old Murray of failing to properly monitor Jackson after giving him a lethal dose of propofol.

They contended that the cardiologist repeatedly acted with gross negligence, repeatedly denied appropriate care to his patient, and that it was Murray's repeated incompetence and unskilled acts that led to Jackson's death.

Murray was a little bit shocked by Monday's decision, Xinhua reported.

He was handcuffed after the verdict was read and was immediately remanded to custody in county jail without bail pending his sentencing Nov 29.

At the conclusion of the six-week trial, the seven-men, five-women jury read the long-expected verdict.

Murray, who faces up to four years in prison, remained stone-faced as the verdict was announced, showing no visible reaction.

The jury deliberated for about eight-and-a-half-hour before reaching a verdict.

When the verdict was announced, some cries of "yes" could be heard from the courtroom audience. Jackson fans were seen celebrating when the news spread outside the courthouse.

Droves of fans gathering outside the courthouse were elated by the news. One man, who asked not be named, said this was a victory for Jackson and his family. "Murray is guilty because he failed to call 911, this is negligence for a doctor", he said.

Another Jackson fan said he could not be "happier".