Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday December 11, 2007
Conrad Black sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison
A Chicago judge sentenced disgraced media tycoon Conrad Black to six and one-half years — or 78 months — in prison and handed him a $125,000 fine, which must be paid within 90 days.
Conrad Black Cartoon Gallery
Black made his way through a throng of reporters outside the courthouse, offering little comment other than to say an appeal “would speak for itself.”
He was told to report to the Florida penitentiary at Eglin Air Force Base before March 3, although it was soon discovered that Eglin has been closed for a year. The government is now asking that Black serve his time at another low-security prison in the same state: Federal Correctional Institution Coleman.
Judge Amy St. Eve told Black she felt he was not a “future threat” because of everything he had lost.
Black spoke for only a few minutes in court, despite reports that he had prepared a 5,000-word statement.
He complimented the judge on her handling of the trial, and said he regretted the loss suffered by Hollinger International shareholders.
Black was also ordered to forfeit $6.1 million for fraud and obstruction of justice — with no right to restitution. (Source: CTV News)