Black to remain free on bond pending sentencing

Former media mogul Conrad Black may remain free on bond pending sentencing on last week’s conviction of fraud and obstruction of justice, a federal judge ruled today.

Black, 62, who once renounced his Canadian citizenship to become a member of the British House of Lords, was found guilty last Friday by a federal jury of three counts of mail fraud and one count of obstruction of justice for spiriting documents out of his Toronto office in defiance of a court order.

Black was acquitted of nine other counts ranging from tax fraud to the most serious charge – racketeering. He was also acquitted of fleecing Hollinger shareholders through such perks as taking the corporate jet on a two-week vacation to the island of Bora Bora.

“I find clear and convincing evidence that Mr Black is not going to flee,” US District Judge Amy St. Eve said.

But she imposed strict travel limits on Black. He must remain in the Chicago area or in southern Florida, where he has a Palm Beach estate. He may not leave the United States.

The government had argued that Black posed a flight risk.