The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Trial date for Boris Becker
Former Grand Slam tennis champion Boris Becker has been accused of failing to hand over trophies – including the 1985 Wimbledon men’s singles title which catapulted the thenunknown 17- year- old to sporting stardom – so they could be sold to settle his debts.
The 52-year-old German national, who was declared bankrupt in June 2017, is accused of not complying with obligations to disclose information.
Trophies listed on a new 28-count indictment include his maiden Wimbledon trophy, his 1989 silverware from the same tournament, and his Australian Open trophies in 1991 and 1996.
He pleaded not guilty to all counts when he appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London yesterday.
Becker spoke to confirm his name, to enter his pleas, and that he understood that a warrant would be issued for his arrest if he absconded on bail.
He was told his trial would be listed to take place in September 2021.
Earlier, there tired sportsman and television presenter appeared to take a selfie as he entered the court building, in front of scores of assembled international journalists and photographers.
Prosecutor Rebecca Chalkley said Becker, who lives in London, may face further charges at a later date.
Defence counsel Jonathan Caplan said: “He (Becker) is determined to face and contest these charges and restore his reputation in relation to the allegations made against him.”
Becker was arraigned on a raft of charges that took more than 15 minutes to read to the court.
They included concealing more than £1 million held in bank accounts, as well as property both abroad and in the UK. The court heard this included a charge that he failed, being bankrupt, to disclose his property interest in Coleherne Court, Chelsea, south-west London.
T he indic tment also contained similar charges for two properties in his home town of Leimen, between Frankfurt and Stuttgart, in Germany. It is also alleged he hid his holding of shares in a firm called Breaking Data Corp.
Becker was released on bail ahead of his trial next year, which is due to last up to four weeks.