process in London
Boris Becker is waiting for the verdict of the jury
Boris Becker (middle) with his partner Lilian De Carvalho Monteiro (l) and his son Noah Becker on the way to court. Photo: Alberto Pezzali/AP/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Agonizing hours for Boris Becker: The ex-tennis star has to be patient. The jury has not yet announced a verdict.
In the London criminal trial, Boris Becker must continue to tremble before his verdict. The 11 jurors retired for the third straight day at Southwark Crown Court on Friday morning to debate whether to acquit the ex-tennis pro guilty or not.
Becker is accused of concealing assets such as real estate, accounts and important trophies in the bankruptcy proceedings against him. The 54-year-old firmly rejects the allegations. Theoretically, he could face up to seven years in prison.
How long it will take for the jury to reach its verdict is unclear. The consultations behind closed doors began on Wednesday afternoon.
Becker has to be ready during the deliberations in the courthouse because the decision can be announced at any time. He appeared in court again on Friday with his girlfriend and son Noah.
Prosecutors believe Becker deliberately withheld the fortune and blamed his advisers, who he says handled all financial matters. Becker’s defense attorney, on the other hand, emphasized that his client was naive and had not taken care of his finances – but that he was innocent. It is not a crime to rely on advisors.