Pleas made for Black after conviction

Chicago -- A federal judge in Chicago has received numerous pleas for leniency in the case of convicted media baron Conrad Black.

With Black scheduled for sentencing next week, several concerned individuals have asked U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve to be lenient when sentencing the Canadian media mogul on charges of financial fraud and obstruction of justice, the Chicago Tribune said Saturday.

U.S. District Senior Judge John Grady said the letters likely would not keep Black out of prison, but could potentially limit the length of his sentence.

"Would it make the difference between probation and jail? No," he said. "But it's one of the factors that go into my sentencing decisions."

St. Eve has told the media she has read all of the impassioned pleas and Black will learn Monday how influential they were in his sentencing.

The Daily Telegraph said Black, who was convicted in July of attempting to defraud Hollinger International, shareholders, has said he is prepared for prison.

"Prison would be a bore, but quite endurable," Black recently said.
"I can get on with anyone and adjust to almost anything, and I don't consider (prison) shaming."

--
Copyright 2007 by United Press International.