Conrad Black will not be allowed to return to Canada before his sentencing in November on fraud charges, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Black had asked the court for permission to return to his mansion in Toronto, but Judge Amy St. Eve said in Chicago unless he posted additional assets, she was not prepared to let him leave the jurisdiction of U.S. authorities. His lawyers indicated he had no further assets to pledge. 

Conrad Black, former head of the Hollinger International Inc. newspaper empire, arrives at federal court in Chicago on Aug. 1.
(Associated Press/Jerry Lai)

But St. Eve said Black's lawyers could apply to change the bail conditions later if circumstances change.

The judge said she was also worried that Black might choose to stay in Canada and fight extradition.

Black is free on $21-million US bail and has offered to sign documents waiving his right to contest any attempt by U.S. authorities to extradite him.

But prosecutors had argued against allowing Black permission to leave the U.S., saying he could fight extradition attempts for years.

Eddie Greenspan, one of Black's lawyers, said earlier he had "no doubt" Black would return to Chicago for sentencing.

St. Eve had earlier placed restrictions on where Black can travel until she passes sentence on Nov. 30, limiting his movement to the district of Chicago — where his trial took place — and the Palm Beach, Fla., area, where he has a home. Her decision Wednesday let those conditions stand.

On July 13, the former head of the Hollinger newspaper empire was convicted of obstruction of justice and three counts of fraud, but was acquitted on nine other charges.

The prosecution said last month that a prison term of at least 15 years would be appropriate for the former media baron.

Black gave up his Canadian citizenship in 2001 to accept a seat in the British House of Lords but has a residency permit allowing him to live in Canada. The court in Chicago has possession of his British passport.

With files from the Canadian Press