UPDATE 1-US judge allows Conrad Black to remain free on bail

US judge allows Conrad Black to remain free on bail

Wed Aug 1, 2007 11:23 PM BST162

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By Andrew Stern

CHICAGO, Aug 1 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge extended Conrad Black's $21 million bail on Wednesday but maintained restrictions that confine the former newspaper tycoon to an area around Chicago and his Florida estate while he awaits sentencing.

Judge Amy St. Eve of U.S. District in Chicago refused a request by Black's attorneys to allow him to go back to his Toronto home pending sentencing in her court on Nov. 30.

Black, 62, was convicted last month of three counts of fraud and one count of obstructing justice for paying himself $3 million in illegal bonuses in the form of so-called non-compete payments from Chicago-based Hollinger International Inc.

Prosecutors had urged the judge to jail Black immediately, claiming he posed a flight risk because he misled the court in providing collateral for his $21 million bail and made critical comments about the government's case during the 15-week trial.