Boris Becker defends himself against the allegations of the British bankruptcy authorities. At a hearing in London, he pleaded "not guilty".
Tennis legend Boris Becker (52) appeared in front of a court in London on Thursday (October 22nd) wearing dark mouth and nose protection. At a hearing on his bankruptcy process, he denied all charges and pleaded "not guilty", according to media reports. The former professional tennis player was declared insolvent by a UK court in 2017. The British bankruptcy agency accuses the three-time Wimbledon winner of incomplete or not disclosing assets during the bankruptcy proceedings. Becker rejects the allegations.
"He is completely innocent and intends to defend himself in court in due course," Becker's spokesman was quoted as saying after the hearing.
He faces up to seven years in prison
Becker had already pleaded "innocent" before the district court in London at the end of September. The case was then referred to a criminal court. Becker wrote on Twitter at the end of September: "I deny the allegations against myself and will defend myself with all legal means! I believe in the British legal system and its representatives!" His team will "prove his innocence in due course".
The appointment on October 22nd served as preparation for the main hearing. "It is a first hearing to complete the preparations for the process and hopefully to set a date for the hearing," said Becker's lawyer for the "Bild" newspaper. According to media reports, the actual process should begin in September 2021. If Becker is convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison.