Conrad Black : Bail Extension Denied

Conrad Black who was sentenced to 6 1/2 years for fraud and obstruction, has been attempting to obstruct efforts to get him into lock-up by March 3.

Many common criminals go directly to the clink. Black, being uncommon, is able to employ a team of lawyers capable of turning heel-dragging into a virtual art.

Didn't help this time around. Judge Amy St Eve refused the request by Black and two co-defendants to remain on the loose until June 15, rather than report to prison on the previously arranged date of March 3.

True-to-form, Black is going to appeal.

I've no idea what he and his team hope to achieve, because the evidence speaks for itself. The sentence was actually pretty lenient when you consider the obstruction end of it.

Black, who isn't famous for manual labor, was videotaped hauling 13 boxes out of his offices at 10 Toronto Street. He pulled off the 'heist' in direct contravention of orders that forbade removal of any boxes 'soever, and he did it while under investigation by the SEC. The shady element becomes evident when you observe attempts by Black and associates to scan for cameras, and their decision to take the back stairwell after staff had vacated the building for the day. When someone wearing a hoodie behaves this way, it is usually described as criminal behavior.

To go to such extraordinary lengths you have to assume Black needed access to those particular boxes very badly indeed. The video clip of the Great Box Heist (GBH) is a bit like watching a Charlie Chaplin caper in parts. To describe it as a desperate ploy is probably fairly accurate.


"Frankly old chap, I prefer a brisk box workout over going to the gym."


Once the authorities succeed in getting him inside, his writing projects may not go quite as planned. Last time I checked the Florida facility doesn't permit typewriters. However I gather they are well stocked with Sharpies and stick-it pads.

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