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Boris Becker has found himself guilty – according to the decision of the jury at Southwark Crown Court in London. But the last word has not yet been spoken. The tennis legend is threatened with imprisonment – but the ex-professional can still hope.
Boris Becker has to wait almost three weeks after the guilty verdict against him, then he will know if he really has to go to prison.
The jury found Becker guilty on four out of 24 charges in the bankruptcy proceedings on Friday. Theoretically, Becker faces up to seven years in prison. However, he can still appeal afterwards – both against the guilty verdict and against the sentence.
The British criminal law expert Marc Stephens says at “Bild”: “Becker can be satisfied with the result because he was found not guilty on the most important points. Concealment is not the highest offense in UK white-collar crime.”
“Becker’s conviction is a clear warning”
So good news for Becker? His defense attorney said Becker was naïve but innocent. It is not a crime to rely on advisors. In 20 out of 24 points, the jury followed this line of reasoning.
But the four-count guilty verdict could be enough to change Becker’s life. “This conviction is a clear warning to those who believe they can hide their wealth and get away with it. You will be investigated and prosecuted,” said the bankruptcy authority.
Becker mother: “He’s a decent boy”
And imprisoned too? Becker’s mother Elvira hopes that her son will be spared this verdict, in “Bild” the 86-year-old says: “Overall, he’s a decent boy.”
