Canadian media pokes at Conrad Black

TORONTO, March 4 (UPI) -- Canadian newspapers poked jibes Tuesday at former media baron Conrad Black, newly imprisoned in Florida for fraud and obstruction of justice.

The 63-year-old on Monday checked into the Coleman prison in central Florida to begin a 6 1/2-year sentence his lawyers are planning to appeal.

Among the media barbs published was the Toronto Sun's report that Black's chauffeur broke the law in order to get him checked in on time. A correspondent said the drive from Black's Palm Beach, Fla., mansion should have taken four hours but his SUV arrived after three, meaning the driver averaged 85 mph.

The Toronto Star's front page banner headline was "Lord 18330-424," referring to Black's inmate number and the peerage he acquired in Britain after relinquishing his Canadian citizenship.

The National Post, founded by Black in October 1998, reported Black could end up working in the prison kitchen or cleaning toilets with pay scales ranging from 12-40 cents per hour.

In a telephone interview with the Post Sunday night, Black said he would accept whatever job he was assigned.

"It's a hell of a way to lose weight, but I'll lose weight," he said.