February retrial for Buju

REGGAE singer Buju Banton's desire to spend time with his family before round two of his cocaine and weapons possession trial in a Florida court has resulted in the retrial being rescheduled for next February.
Banton's second trial was supposed to start in December after the first ended with a hung jury in September, but his legal team last week filed a motion in the Sam M Gibbons federal court for a postponement so the Jamaican artiste could post bond to be with his family.

"Buju really wants to spend some time with his family before the next trial," lead attorney Oscar David Markus told the Observer yesterday. "Hopefully this will give him a little breather before round two."
The motion was yesterday granted by United States District Judge James Moody. A specific date for the retrial was not set.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is accused of conspiring to buy five kilogrammes of cocaine from an undercover officer in Sarasota, Florida. He was arrested last December after the arrest of two other men, Ian Thomas and James Mack, who later pleaded guilty. They will be sentenced this month.
The artiste was charged along with the men for possession of a firearm during the furtherance of a crime. The gun was actually in Mack's possession.
Banton was granted US$250,000 bail last month but wrangling between his legal team and the prosecution is preventing him from taking up the bail, which would see him being placed under immediate house arrest.
The prosecution is now in the process of appealing a decision by the court to allow Banton to hire two security firms, whose officers would be at Banton's home 24 hours per day to ensure that he adheres to the conditions of his house arrest. As part of the conditions, Banton can only leave home to purchase medication, attend court and see his attorney. Banton will also have to wear an electronic tracking device.
After clearing this hurdle, Banton will have to seek bond in the immigration court in order to be released, as his entertainment visa was revoked following his arrest.