BECKER FAREWELL AS HE FACES JAIL
Star hugs girlfriend ahead of sentencing
BORIS Becker spent time with loved ones as he faced being jailed for concealing hundreds of thousands of pounds following bankruptcy.
The tennis ace, 54, looked emotional as he was consoled by girlfiend Lilian de Carvalho at a TV studio in London.
He earlier met up with his estranged wife Lilly and their son Amadeus at a go-karting track in the capital.
German Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion, could be jailed for up to seven years when he appears at Southwark crown court for today. The glum looking star was pictured alone yesterday shopping at Harrods – where he bought a Puma holdall, possibly to take to jail.
He was found guilty of four charges under the Insolvency Act in a trial this month. Becker told the jury his career earnings of around £38million were spent on his divorce from
first wife Barbara, child maintenance payments, and “expensive lifestyle commitments”. He told the court he was “shocked” and “embarrassed” when he was declared bankrupt and had co-operated with the authorities, even offering up his wedding ring.
Becker, who has lived in the UK since 2012, said he earned a “vast amount” in his career, paying cash for several properties, but his income “reduced dramatsentencing ically” after retirement in 1999. The father of four and six-time Grand Slam winner should have disclosed all assets after being declared bankrupt in 2017.
He now faces losing contracts with TV networks around the world, including as a BBC pundit at Wimbledon.
His heartbroken mum Elvira, 86, said: “I hope my son doesn’t have to go to prison. He’s a decent boy overall.”
Becker was embraced by his girlfriend on Wednesday as he smoked during a break in a meeting with documentary maker George Chignell in London.
The star, who was supported by Lilian during his trial, was acquitted of 20 charges, including nine counts of failing to hand over medals and trophies – including two won in Wimbledon finals.