JAMAICAN Reggae artiste Buju Banton is now languishing in the Pinellas County Jail in Tampa, Florida where he spent almost 11 months while awaiting trial in 2010.

Banton, real name Mark Myrie, was transferred to the penal facility yesterday after the guilty verdict on three drug-related offences were handed down by a panel of jurors, which included three African-American women.

When the jury returned with their verdict after 11 hours of deliberations, the three African-Americans were observed smiling.

Banton was detained immediately after the guilty verdict was handed down and had his bail revoked.

During his first stint in jail, the artiste reportedly lost weight and was being housed in an isolated section of the Pinellas County Jail as punishment for sharing his food with inmates.

He complained bitterly that he was being denied vegetarian meals and had lost weight, but prison authorities countered by saying that he had actually gained a few pounds.

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