Now Boris Becker’s line of defense becomes clear
“For Boris Becker it will be the toughest match of his life”
Boris Becker is on trial in London for delaying bankruptcy. He is said to have embezzled assets in insolvency proceedings and failed to comply with information obligations. He faces up to seven years in prison. Arndt Striegler reports on the start of the process.
Boris Becker has to answer to a London court for delaying bankruptcy. Now he and his lawyer are talking. Defender Jonathan Laidlaw gives insight into the former tennis star’s naïve financial management.
Dhe criminal case against Boris Becker in London is entering its next round. On Monday, the line of defense became clear and provided insights into a parallel world in which numerous other sports stars have made themselves comfortable alongside Becker. The Becker side obviously pleads for ignorance and naivety.
His lawyer said that the former tennis star simply never cared about financial issues. The 54-year-old always relied on the assessment of his advisors and never took care of financial matters himself, defense attorney Jonathan Laidlaw said in court on Monday.
Becker had neither the time nor the patience to read contracts, and he never paid any bills himself. This is “unfortunately” still the case. Becker repeatedly said to his lawyer’s statements: “That is correct.” He did not know how many accounts he had, said Becker, who lives in London.
Before the storm: Boris Becker two weeks ago in the Premier League game between Chelsea and Newcastle
Quelle: Getty Images/Clive Mason
Boris Becker’s outstanding debts amounted to 60 million euros
The three-time Wimbledon winner has to answer for various allegations in the context of his bankruptcy proceedings. The 24 charges include the fact that the 54-year-old is said to have tried to withdraw money and valuables, such as trophies, and real estate from the insolvency administrator’s access. Becker denies that.
Three years ago, an insolvency administrator had auctioned off Becker’s trophies and personal items. At the time, his outstanding debts were estimated at up to £50 million (€59 million).
During his active sports career, Becker had won 49 titles and collected prize money of more than 20 million euros. In 1985 he made sporting history when he won Wimbledon at the age of 17 and is still the youngest player to date. He now faces up to seven years in prison. Up to three weeks are scheduled for the process that started last week.
On Mount Olympus: On July 7, 1985, Boris Becker won Wimbledon for the first time
Quelle: Getty Images/Steve Powell
