Conrad Black 'should get harsher jail sentence because he lacked remorse in BBC interview'

Prosecutors in the U.S. are urging a judge to impose a heavy sentence on Conrad Black because they say he has failed to show any remorse.

The fallen media tycoon was found guilty in July on three counts of criminal fraud and one of obstructing justice - but was cleared of nine other charges, including racketeering.

Although the former head of Hollinger International and ex-proprietor of the Daily Telegraph faces a maximum of 24 years in prison, legal experts predict he will be handed down a sentence of between four and ten years.

Prosecutor Eric Sussman is now urging Judge Amy St Eve to take into account that Black, who is due to be sentenced on Monday, has shown no remorse for his crimes.

In a file submitted to the court, Mr Sussman referred to interviews given by Black - including one on BBC Radio 4's Today programme last week - indicating a "stunning lack of remorse".

"Out of all the defendants, Black has been the most vocal in his lack of remorse and his refusal to recognise the offence," said the prosecutor.

"Black insists he did 'absolutely nothing wrong' and that he has been 'unjustly convicted'.

"Black's conduct makes clear he would engage in the same conduct again if given the opportunity. To this day, he maintains his offences and convictions were 'rubbish' and 'nonsense'."

Black's lawyers have responded by asking the judge to consider sentencing him under more lenient guidelines, where he would face a maximum seven years behind bars.

They are also expected to ask that Black remains free pending an appeal, a process that could last months and even years.