BANTON’S DRUG CASE DECLARED A MISTRIAL, RETRIAL PLANNED
Reggae star BUJU BANTON’s drug case has been declared a mistrial, after a jury failed to reach a unanimous decision.
Banton, real name Mark Myrie, was jailed in December 2009 after he was caught allegedly attempting to buy more than five kilograms of cocaine fr om an undercover law enforcement officer in Sarasota, Florida.
The case was postponed twice earlier this year (10) but the troubled Ja maican took the stand last week (end26Sep10) to face charges including co nspiracy to possess, intent to distribute and possession of a firearm.
Banton denied the charges and claimed he had lied about his ambitions t o deal illegal substances to "impress" his new pal - the officer.
On Monday (27Sep10) the star’s case was declared a mistrial after juror s were unable to reach a verdict after three days of deliberations, repor ts Reuters.
District Judge James Moody has stated a retrial won’t start until at le ast December (10).
Banton faces life imprisonment if convicted.
Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)
