LONDON (AP) – Tennis star Boris Becker was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison on Friday for illegally transferring large amounts of money and hiding assets after bankruptcy.
The three -time Wimbledon champion was tried earlier this month on four counts of indebtedness and faces up to seven years in prison.
Judge Deborah Taylor announced the verdict after hearing arguments from Becker’s prosecutor and attorney.
It has been revealed that the 54-year-old German has transferred hundreds of thousands of pounds (dollars) from his corporate account to other accounts since he went bankrupt in June 2017, including the accounts of his ex-wife Barbara and distant wife Charlie “Lily.“ Becker.
Becker was also convicted of not declaring assets in Germany and hiding 825,000 euros ($ 871,000) in a bank loan and securities of a technology company.
The jury at London’s Southwark Crown Court dismissed 20 other cases, including allegations that he failed to deliver his numerous awards, including two Wimbledon cups and an Olympic gold medal.
Becker, wearing a purple and green striped Wimbledon tie, entered the court handcuffed by his girlfriend Lillian de Carvalho Monteiro.
The six -time Grand Slam champion has denied all allegations, and said he partnered with managers with a duty to protect his assets – including offering a wedding ring – and acted on the advice of expert.
At a sentencing hearing Friday, prosecutor Rebecca Chalkley said Becker acted “intentionally and in bad faith” and was “trying again to blame others.”
Attorney Jonathan Lidlow argued for sobriety, saying his client was not spending the money on a “luxury lifestyle” but on child support, rent, and legal and business costs. Becker, he told the court, has suffered “public embarrassment” and has no potential future revenue.
According to trial testimony, Becker’s bankruptcy was caused by a € 4.6 million ($ 5 million) debt from a private bank in 2013, as well as approximately $ 1.6 million borrowed from a British businessman later. a year.
During the lawsuit, Becker said his $ 50 million career was swallowed up in “expensive divorce” and debt when he lost a substantial income after retirement.
Becker became the first player in 1985 to win a Wimbledon title in unison at the age of 17 and eventually rose to number 1 on the leaderboard. He has lived in the UK since 2012.
Source: Huffpost
