Redknapp’s ‘bung’ trial gets under way
TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp went on trial yesterday accused of receiving offshore bungs from a former employer.
The64-year-old - tipped as a future England boss - dodged taxes on “substantial payments” while he was in charge at Portsmouth, a jury heard.
Appearing in the dock, Redknapp stood accused of receiving two untaxed payments of more than £189,000 from former chairman Milan Mandaric, his co-accused.
John Black QC opened the Crown’s case at Southwark Crown Court by telling jurors “both parties must have known” they were avoiding taxes.
“These payments were a bung or offshore bonus that the parties had absolutely no intention of paying taxes for,’’ he said.
Redknapp’s “widespread popularity” was brought up by prosecution.
“He is currently enjoying what may be described as footballing success,” Mr Black said.
“They (Tottenham) are currently riding high and are placed today as third in the league despite Sunday’s result.”
Redknapp is “unusually talented”, the Crown added.
Redknapp, appearing behind bullet-proof glass alongside Mandaric, read notes as Mr Black outlined how the manager received player transfer bonuses under a clause in his contract.
Mr Black focused on the purchase of Peter Crouch for £1,250,000 before he was sold for £4.5 million.
Redknapp and Mandaric deny two counts of cheating the public revenue when he was manager of Portsmouth.