Michael Jackson's jailed doctor requests release from prison

Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray could be a free man by the new year if a Californian appeals court grants his latest request to be released from prison.

The medic was sentenced to four years behind bars on an involuntary manslaughter charge after he was found guilty of administering the fatal dose of Propofol which claimed the King of Pop's life in 2009.

Murray's defence team has lodged an appeal against his conviction and his lawyers have now asked for the doctor to be released on bail while he awaits the outcome.

Attorney Valerie Wass filed a motion at California's Second District Court of Appeals this week, asking for Murray to be "released on his own recognisance pending appeal, or alternatively, that (the court) order his release on reasonable bail".

Prosecutors have until the end of the month to lodge an objection to Murray's bail request, according to CNN.com.

A previous bail request was denied in February. Murray is due to be released on 28 October, 2013 if he serves his full sentence.