London
Boris Becker: jury found tennis legend guilty
Boris Becker (M) came to Southwark Crown Court in London accompanied by his partner Lilian De Carvalho Monteiro (l) and his son Noah.
© Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa / DPA
Ex-tennis star Boris Becker has been found guilty in London of alleged cover-ups in his bankruptcy proceedings.
In the London criminal trial against Boris Becker, the jury found the former German tennis star guilty of several charges. The jury decided on Friday that the 54-year-old had withheld parts of his assets from his insolvency administrator. Becker could theoretically face a prison sentence.
The 54-year-old had been accused of concealing assets in his bankruptcy proceedings. One aspect of the process is the fact that Becker had his finances organized by others, Judge Deborah Taylor stated at the beginning of her remarks on Wednesday. Looking at documents signed by Becker, she said: “He says he signed them but never read them.”
In his plea, Becker’s defense attorney emphasized that it was not a crime to rely on advisors. The Londoner by choice firmly rejects the accusation that the prosecution deliberately withheld the assets. Theoretically, he could face up to seven years in prison.
Becker appeared in court again on Wednesday, accompanied by his girlfriend and son Noah. Wearing a pinstripe suit, he followed the proceedings from a glass case inside the courtroom.