Court finds Boris Becker guilty: should the former tennis star go to prison?

In the London criminal trial against Boris Becker, the jury found the former German tennis star guilty of several charges. The jury decided Friday that the 54-year-old withheld part of his assets from the insolvency official. In theory, Becker could face imprisonment.

Judge Deborah Taylor’s ruling is scheduled to be announced on April 29. Becker followed the referee with a red head. He can still appeal the ruling.

Full ownership not disclosed

Becker was declared bankrupt on June 21, 2017. His outstanding debts were then estimated at 50 million pounds (59 million euros). The jury found that he had failed to disclose all of his possessions, contrary to legal requirements, on four out of 24 counts. He could have been sentenced to up to seven years in prison.

All the allegations involved bank accounts and real estate, as well as numerous trophies, including the Wimbledon Cup from Becker’s first Grand Slam win in 1985. The four charges he was convicted of specifically relate to transferring large sums of money. Money for other accounts, hide property, loan and stocks.

• ZIB 1: Boris Becker found guilty

The former exceptional athlete has vehemently rejected the allegations. Baker testified in court that he had neither the time nor the experience, and therefore always left financial matters to his advisors. His lawyer, Jonathan Laidlow, portrayed him as naive and lazy. Nor was he informed in time of the obligations he would have incurred after his insolvency.

Prosecutor Rebecca Chalkley did not believe his statements. Baker intentionally transferred funds to other accounts to prevent insolvency officials from accessing them. In addition, he knew that he was registered as the owner of several properties, she said during the process.