The Jackson's family feel the support of Michael's fans as they arrive at court for Conrad Murray trial 

By Amelia Proud

Last updated at 7:32 AM on 28th September 2011

 It was always going to be a difficult day for the Jackson family, but as they arrived at the Los Angeles Superior Court this morning, they seemed visibly comforted by Michael's many fans.

The late superstar's sister La Toya Jackson seemed to take strength from the outpouring of emotion in particular, as she clasped a sunflower from a well-wisher on her way into the courtroom.

Sad day: The two youngest Jackson children, Randy and Janet, arrived at court holding hands today

But it wasn't just La Toya that embraced the crowds.

The normally reticent Katherine, Joe, and even Janet Jackson - hand-in-hand with youngest brother Randy - nodded to the throngs of well-wishers and reporters.

The clan arrived in a black SUV, shepherded by the Los Angeles Police Department as they made their way to the high-profile trial dressed smartly in sombre hues, with touches of Jackson razzmatazz.

Police escort: LaToya Jackson was accompanied by the Los Angeles police department as she made her way into court this morning

Touched: La Toya was moved by the support of Michael's fans, and clutched a sunflower she was given

 

Michael's brothers Tito and Jermaine also turned out in smart suits with the latter making a well-received peace sign to the assembled throng.

Dr Conrad Murray, on the other hand, sagely took the back entrance.

It was a wise move, as there was obvious hostility towards the Bad star's private physician, who stands accused of manslaughter.

Peace: Jermaine makes the peace symbol to the fans as he arrived

Show of support: Tito Jackson seems bemused by the crowds outside the court today

Death of an icon: Michael Jackson died back in June 2009

The trial will be streamed all over the world, and is expected to last until the end of October.

Prosecutors claim that Murray caused Jackson's death by giving him the powerful anesthetic propofol as a sleep aid at the singer's Los Angeles mansion in June 2009 and then failed to monitor him.

Millions of people around the world are expected to watch as the trial gives a glimpse into final days of the King of Pop.

 

Mother and father: Joe Jackson suited up for the occasion, in one of his son's favourite colour combinations - red and black, while wife Katherine wore a blue and white spotted dress

Greeting: Wearing sunglasses, both Joe and Katherine waved to the waiting crowds as they arrived in the courtroom

Grand entrance: The family arrive amongst hordes of placard waving fans

There is expected to be crowds outside the court from the early hours every day, where there is a daily lottery drawn for a handful of seats for the public gallery.

Supporters of both Dr Murray, 57, and Jackson, who died aged 50 in 2009, stood outside the courthouse with signs reading: 'Fair trial for Dr Murray' and 'Doctors are expected to heal not kill'.

A woman had to be stopped by court officers as she rushed towards Dr Murray as he walked through a courthouse corridor.

Protestors: Dr Murray entered by the back door to avoid attention from fans who believe he killed Michael

Both sides of the story: But Murray also had his supports, who raised their concerns about him being allowed a fair trial

She reportedly said she just wanted to speak to the doctor, it is not clear if she has been detained.

The list of potential witnesses in the case includes the singer's eldest children Prince Michael, 14 , and Paris, 13 , who are reported to have said that they want to take to the stand to testify.

Devotion: There were dozens of characters lining the pavements outside the court

 

Murray denies the charge of involuntary manslaughter but faces a prison sentence of up to four years if convicted.

His defence team are expected to argue that Jackson was addicted to various painkillers and sedatives and gave himself the fatal dose of propofol, possibly by swallowing it.

His children Prince, Paris and nine-year-old Blanket weren't present today.

Anger: Hordes of fans believe that Michael's death was murder

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2042582/Conrad-Murray-trial-Michael-Jacksons-family-feel-support-fans.html#ixzz1ZGAd1qJU