Buju Banton - File

As Buju Banton awaits his sentencing after he was convicted of drug related and gun charges, letters have been pouring in from his supporters requesting leniency in his sentencing.

There were letters addressed to Judge James Moody from his family members, children, actors, fans, friends and members of the entertainment industry.

His lawyer, David Markus, submitted the letters on behalf of the artiste, whose real name is Mark Myrie. There were letters from his children Jahazeil, Jahleel, Shadai, Jodian, Mark and Abihail Myrie.

Abihail Myrie, who is 11 years old, wrote, "I can't imagine my life without my father. I understand that my father is in a bad situation but no one is perfect. I would really appreciate it if you could give him a second chance."

Well known actor Danny Clover also voiced his concern. "Your Honour, Mark Myrie is not any drug dealer. Society would not benefit from his incarceration. Since this is his first offence, I earnestly ask of you to grant him pardon by having the guilty charge overturned, retrial and bond," he said.

Basil Shirley, the drummer in Banton's Shiloh Band, said, "I am asking you Honourable judge Moody for mercy for Mark Myrie so he can return to his homeland Jamaica to his family and friends to continue with producing uplifting and positive music.

Former Minister of National Security Dudley Thompson added that "the authorities quoted, clearly justify acquittal of the defendant Mark Anthony Myrie."

his children

While 75-year-old Edna Tomlinsom said Buju is a loving person and the judge should take into consideration the impact the case is having on his children.

There were also letters from The Reverend Archpriest from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Tekle Mariam, Buju's friend Stephen Marley, Sharon Burke, Atlanta Hawks basketball player Etan Thomas and countless other well wishers, all describing him as a good person.

The Grammy winner, Buju Banton, was convicted in February of conspiring to set up a cocaine deal in Florida in 2009. He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison at his sentencing hearing on June 23 in Tampa federal court.

In court documents filed Thursday, Banton's attorney, David Markus, says a 15-year sentence is 'way more than necessary' in Banton's case.

He contends that Banton's limited participation in the drug buy, his charitable work in Jamaica, and his otherwise clean record, entitle the singer to a reduced sentence. Banton also seeks an acquittal and a new trial.