At the London criminal trial against Boris Becker, the former tennis star testified in detail for the first time. On the fifth day of the lawsuit for possible concealment of assets during his bankruptcy, the Londoner by choice commented on defense issues.
During the hour-long hearing, his attorney Jonathan Laidlaw spoke mostly, asking Becker questions about his private life, his sporting and professional career, and – most of all – his relationship with money. The 54-year-old has repeatedly commented on his lawyer’s statements: “That’s correct.”
Becker never worried about financial matters
The line of defense soon became clear: the former tennis star was never concerned with financial matters, but always relied on the judgment of his advisers. He himself never paid any bills. Becker also didn’t have the time or patience to read contracts. That is “unfortunately” still the case, he explained. According to the German, who lives in London, he did not know how many accounts he had.
The 24 charges include the fact that the three-time Wimbledon champion had attempted to remove cash and valuables such as trophies and real estate from the insolvency practitioner’s access. Becker denies this. Theoretically, he could face up to seven years in prison.
Defense attorney Laidlaw introduced the jury to a man who may have gotten into the situation he is in through negligence, but not malicious intent.