Lawyer says BUJU BANTON eager to face his accusers

DAVID Markus, the attorney representing jailed Reggae singer Buju Banton, says his client is ready to face his accusers.

Banton is due to face a Tampa Court on Monday to answer to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine, a charge which carries a minimum sentence of 20 years to life and a fine of up to US$4 million.

But Markus has remained confident that he can secure a 'not guilty' verdict for Banton, who has been jailed since last December when he was taken out of his Tamarac home in Florida by federal agents.

"He is hanging in there. We are confident, Buju remains innocent," Markus said.

The attorney said Banton, who is registered as Mark Anthony Myrie, had been getting mail and support from his fans.

"He would like to express his thanks for the letters of support he has been receiving," he said.

On Monday Banton will be the only defendant on trial as his co-defendants — Jason Mack and Ian Thomas — have signed plea deals and agreed to testify against the rastafarian singer in exchange for reduced sentences.

But the deals do not faze Markus. He contends that Mack's admission before signing the plea deal that he did not know Banton before his arrest, bolsters his case.

Banton has been accused of negotiating a drug deal with an informant in Florida last year. United States authorities say they have video footage of the artiste sampling cocaine inside a government controlled warehouse.

He has reportedly lost weight and was being housed in an isolated section of the Pinellas County Jail as punishment for sharing his food with inmates.

Banton was moved to the Citrus County Jail after Thomas and Mack signed the plea deals.