Disgraced Conrad Black denied bid to overturn fraud conviction

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2007

CHICAGO (AFP) — Fallen press tycoon Conrad Black lost his bid to overturn his conviction on fraud and obstruction charges after a judge ruled that the US government proved its case.

Black and his co-defendants had asked Judge Amy St. Eve of Chicago's federal court to quash the conviction or grant a new trial, arguing that "no rational jury" could have found them guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

In a 39-page ruling issued late Monday, St. Eve said "the evidence supports the verdict" and also "supports an intent to defraud" Hollinger International.

St. Eve did, however, overturn the conviction on one of three counts against co-defendant Mark Kipnis, corporate counsel for Hollinger.

Black and his co-defendants, who have also already begun working on...