September 27, 2010: TAMPA, Florida — David Markus, the attorney representing Buju Banton, says he is confident that he can get a not guilty verdict for his client when the case is retried in December.
“We are confident, we can’t wait for the next trial to prove that he is not guilty,” Markus told the Observer shortly after an announcement was made by United States Judge Jim Moody, that he had upheld the attorneys earlier request that a mistrial be declared.
Markus indicated that if bail was granted he would seek a bond in the Immigration Court to prevent his client from being deported.
If granted bail, Banton will fall foul of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service as his work permit had been revoked upon his arrest last December.
After the adjournment of court yesterday, Buju Banton turned around and faced his supporters.
“Thanks, everyone,” he said.
One woman in the gallery replied, “We love you.”
“Love you, too,” he replied before he was taken out of court.
“It is still better than a guilty verdict,” a supporter said.
His manager Traci McGregor, was more philosophical.
“His body is locked away but Buju is with us through his music,” she said. (Jamaican Observer.com)
