MUCH-anticipated testimony this week by David Radler, the ex-partner of former media baron Conrad Black, will likely make or break the criminal case against Mr Black and three fellow executives, lawyers said.

Former newspaper tycoon Conrad Black’s racketeering and fraud trial is getting under way in the US.

A court in Ontario, Canada, has ordered Conrad Black to return 12 boxes that a security camera showed him removing last week from the headquarters of Hollinger Inc., his holding company.

Billionaire twins David and Frederick Barclay have struck a £260m (€377m) deal for Conrad Black's controlling stake in the Hollinger media empire. The deal gives them Lord Black's 30% stake and his 73% voting rights at Hollinger.