Conrad Black to appeal rejection of bail extension

Lawyers for Conrad Black and two former Hollinger co-defendants have served notice that they willappeal adecision to send their clients to jail before an appeal of their convictions is heard.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve refused to let the three remain free on bailpending that appeal.

Black, along with former Hollinger vice-president Peter Atkinson and former chief financial officer John Boultbee, are to reportto jail on March 3 to begin their sentences.

Defence lawyerssaid Tuesday they will appeal the order that their clients head to jail in less than a month.The appeals court will not begin its review of the guilty verdicts in their cases until June.

A joint bail application could be filedwith the appeals court within days, according to Black's lead appeal lawyer.

Last July, Black was given 6 years for fraud and obstruction of justice related to the diversion of millions of dollars from Hollinger International. The obstruction of justice conviction related to the improper removal of 13 boxes of documents from Black's office.

Boultbee was given 27 months in jail; Atkinson got 24 months. Both were convicted of three counts of fraud.