Enlarge image
Former tennis star
Boris Becker
never knew how many accounts he had
Photo: Peter Kneffel / dpa
In the criminal case against Boris Becker in London, his lawyer said the former tennis star had never dealt with financial issues.
The 54-year-old always relied on the assessment of his advisors and never took care of financial matters himself, defense attorney Jonathan Laidlaw said in court on Monday.
Becker had neither the time nor the patience to read contracts, and he never paid any bills himself.
This is "unfortunately" still the case.
Becker kept saying to his lawyer's statements: "That's correct."
Becker, who lives in London, said he didn't know how many accounts he had.
"The past five years have been the hardest of my life"
Tennis legend
Boris Becker
The three-time Wimbledon winner has to answer to various allegations in connection with his bankruptcy proceedings.
The 24 charges include the fact that the 54-year-old is said to have tried to withdraw money and valuables, such as trophies, and real estate from the insolvency administrator's access.
Becker denies that.
Theoretically, he could face up to seven years in prison.
The process is scheduled to take up to three weeks.
Becker has had legal difficulties in the past.
In 2002, a German court sentenced him to a two-year suspended prison sentence and a fine for tax evasion of around 1.7 million euros.
cr/ SID