Conrad Black Gets 6-1/2 Years

Media tycoon Conrad Black was given 6-1/2 years in prison following his conviction last summer on mail fraud and obstruction of justice charges.

Federal prosecutors had been hoping for a sentence of up to 24 years, but the judge in the case determined that he would face no more than eight years.

Black, a member of the British House of Lords, used to run Hollinger International, the former owner of papers including Canada's National Post and London's Daily Telegraph. It has since sold many assets and is now known as Sun-Times News Group (SVN Quote).

At his trial, Black was found not guilty of charges of wire fraud, racketeering and misuse of corporate funds. He had been accused of using funds from Hollinger to pay for trips, parties and his New York apartment.

Black was told to report to prison in 12 weeks, the Associated Press reported.