Buju spends first night out of jail

International Reggae singer Buju Banton has spent his first night at his Tamarac, Florida home after almost a year in jail.

He was released on bail from the Pinellas County jail in Tampa on Wednesday.

Buju, 37, whose given name is Mark Myrie, in the company of his court appointed security and wearing a tracking device, left the jail and made the more than three hour long journey to his home in Tamarac.

He left the jail covering his face and refused to comment to the media.

Buju will be under house arrest and will be only allowed to leave to meet his lawyers or pick up prescribed mediation.

"He can come here at the office to have lunch and prepare for the case and then he's got to go home," defence attorney David Markus said.

There will also be strict regulations governing Buju's stay at home.

"He can have one visitor at a time and that visitor has to be approved. He's going to have to abide by all the conditions of bond so there aren't any issues," Mr. Markus added.

In addition to posting bail, wearing an electronic monitoring device and being under house arrest with 24 hour security, Buju has signed an extradition waiver ensuring his return if he does flee the US.

The lawyer noted that the reggae singer was very grateful for the support he had received form people all over the world especially those who have been contributing to his legal funds as he prepares for his re-trial in February.

Mr. Markus also praised the solidarity shown by fellow entertainer Stephen Marley, who took out a lien on his South Florida home for the US$300,000 to help secure bond for Buju.

Buju's next hurdle is his re-trial next February.

The artiste's immigration status in the United States remains in limbo as his visa was revoked following his arrest last December.