Watch Out

Prosecutors also objected to the pre-sentencing report's apparent conclusion that Lord Black should not receive a special penalty in jail time for being the ring-leader of the criminal enterprise.

Although calling it a "close call", the probation officer also found Lord Black should not receive extra punishment for using "sophisticated means" in his crime.

The pre-sentencing report also favoured the use of old sentencing guidelines, in force at the time of the crime, which would also cut the prison term handed down.

Lord Black's lawyers have until Monday to file their own objections to the pre-sentencing report.

Case history

March 18, 2005 US federal prosecutors announce that Lord Black of Crossharbour is the subject of a criminal investigation as well as an inquiry by SEC, a financial watchdog

December 1, 2005 Black is charged in connection with stealing $80 million (£38.3 million) from Hollinger International, the newspaper corporation he once owned. He pleads not guilty in a Chicago court and is released on $20 million bail

August 18, 2006 Black and three others are charged with tax evasion for causing Hollinger International to underreport corporate income. He later pleads not guilty

July 13, 2007 After 15 weeks of testimony from 40 witnesses, the presentation of 700 documents and 12 days of jury deliberation, Black is convicted of obstruction of justice and three counts of mail fraud. His co-defendants are found guilty of mail fraud

November 6, 2007 Black loses bid to have conviction overturned

December 10, 2007 Black and co-defendants scheduled to be sentenced

Source: Times archive; Agencies

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