Jamaican drug lord sentencing delayed

Celebrations outside a US federal courthouse in New York as a judge delays sentencing for Jamaican drug lord Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

The judge has asked federal prosecutors to provide more evidence on the gang leader's additional crimes.

Coke's lawyers and family welcomed the news.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) STEPHEN ROSEN, DEFENSE ATTORNEY, SAYING:

" He's a very religious guy and his prayers, as far as he's concerned, have been answered by the court giving an opportunity to confront the people that have accused him of these atrocities."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) TANISHA SMITH, COKE'S COUSIN, SAYING:

"Well honestly, I think the case looked good today and it really came out well and I have no doubt that it's going to prosper in the end. And you know, as I said, as God is in the midst, everything's going to be okay. Okay?"

The powerful drug lord was extradited to the US from Jamaica two years ago.

He pleaded guilty in August 2011 to drug trafficking and assault charges and agreed with prosecutors on a prison term of no less than 21 years.

Sunita Rappai, Reuters