THE attorneys representing Mark Buju Banton Myrie have filed a motion in the United States District Court, Tampa Division, asking for acquittal or a new trial, and that the Reggae star be released on bail.

The post trial motion was filed by lead defence attorney David Oscar Markus.

Banton was last Tuesday found guilty on three of four drug charges by a 12-member jury in Tampa.

He is awaiting sentencing.

However, Markus said the defence is renewing its motion to have Banton released from custody.

“Defendant Mark Myrie respectfully renews his motion… for an order releasing him from custodial confinement during the pendency of his direct appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit,” the motion reads.

The attorney also said the defence was moving for the entry of a judgement of acquittal or, in the alternative, that the court grant the Reggae singer a new trial, “based on the absence of substantial credible evidence sufficient to prove the [prosecution’s] allegations beyond a reasonable doubt” at last month’s trial.

“Mr Myrie also reiterates the objections and motions he made before and during the first and second trials… the court must consider whether it is in the interest of justice to let the verdicts stand,” the motion read.

It added: “Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 33 states that on motion of the defendant, the court may grant a new trial if required in the interest of justice.”

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