BORIS TO FACE THE SLAMMER
Legend in ‘ hidden cash’ case
BORIS Becker could face up to seven years in jail after being accused of hiding more than £ 1.2million in cash from bankruptcy officials.
It is also alleged the tennis legend failed to disclose three homes.
The three- time Wimbledon champion appeared in court yesterday to deny 19 charges of failing to comply with his duty to disclose details of his finances after he was declared bankrupt in 2017.
Becker, 52, is accused of concealing three bank accounts in Belgium, Germany and Guernsey containing a total of £ 1.2m.
He also allegedly hid two properties in Germany and a flat in Chelsea, west London, from bankruptcy trustees between May and September 2017.
The tennis ace – now a TV commentator – also stands accused of concealing a £ 755,382 debt and 75,000 shares in the artificial intelligence company Breaking Data Corp.
Bailed
Becker, of Battersea, south London, denied all 19 charges relating to the alleged concealment.
His lawyer Jonathan Caplan QC asked for his client’s address not to be disclosed at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
But chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot replied: “Every well- known celebrity who’s gone through here has to do it.’’
Mr Caplan described his client as an “international celebrity” and said: “These charges will be vigorously contested.’’
Lady Arbuthnot conditionally bailed Becker to next appear at London’s Southwark Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on October 22. It is then that a trial date is likely to be set.