Black aide tells of 'partnership'

Radler testified that he had known Lord Black since 1969

The executive who helped Lord Black build his media empire has told a US court that he consulted his colleague on every key financial decision.

David Radler took the stand as chief prosecution witness at Lord Black's fraud trial, his evidence seen as key to determining the outcome of the case.

Once head of operations at Hollinger International, Radler admitted fraud in 2005 in return for a reduced sentence.

Lord Black denies charges of fraud, racketeering and obstructing justice.

Defining moment

Radler's appearance on the stand could be the defining moment in the British peer's trial, which is now in its eighth week.

THE CHARGES Criminal charges 15 charges of fraud one of obstruction of justice one of racketeering Federal prosecutors allege Lord Black Fraudulently received non-compete fees from the sale of Hollinger International assets Deprived the company of his honest services Repeatedly benefited himself at the expense of the company and its public shareholders through the abuse of company perks Other executives on trial John Boultbee - former chief financial officer Peter Atkinson - former general counsel Mark Kipnis - former corporate counsel and secretary

Lord Black and his three co-defendants - all former executives at newspaper publisher Hollinger International - are accused of enriching themselves at the expense of shareholders by pocketing payments made during the sale of hundreds of its community newspapers.

Under questioning, Radler testified that major financial and business decisions were made "jointly" and, at the time, he and Lord Black were "equal partners".

"I did not make a financial decision without consulting Conrad Black," he said.

"I do not remember selling a newspaper anywhere without consulting Mr Black."

Radler was not asked specifically about the "non-compete" payments which prosecutors claim were not disclosed to the firm's board.

Defence lawyers are expected to question Radler's version of events, portraying Lord Black's former right-hand man as one of the main culprits in the scandal that rocked Hollinger International.

Radler was sentenced to a 29-month jail term for admitting mail fraud in 2005.

'Great partner'

Radler told the Chicago court how he had helped Lord Black to build the business from its humble Canadian beginnings in the late 1960's into one of the world's largest newspaper publishers.

A verdict is expected next month

"I was impressed with Mr Black's knowledge and his ability and I thought that he would be a great partner to have," Radler said of their first meeting in 1969.

He recalled how he and the British peer bought a loss-making English-language newspaper in the French-speaking community of Sherbrooke in Quebec for $50,000 and made it profitable in three months.

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