Boris Becker accused of failing to hand over Grand Slam trophies to settle debts

Tennis star Boris Becker has been accused of failing to hand over trophies – including his 1985 Wimbledon title – so they could be sold off to settle the former grand slam winner’s debts.

Mr Becker appeared at Southwark Crown Court accused of a raft of charges related to not complying with obligations to disclose information in the wake of his June 2017 bankruptcy – with the full list of allegations taking more than 15 minutes to read at the hearing.

Among them the 52 year old German national is accused of failing to hand over his maiden Wimbledon trophy, his 1989 silverware from the same tournament, and his Australian Open trophies in 1991 and 1996.

His 1985 men’s singles title, which catapulted the then-unknown 17-year-old to sporting stardom, was also listed in the new 28-count indictment.

Mr Becker, who lives in London, pleaded not guilty to all counts when he appeared at the court on Thursday morning for a 45-minute hearing.

Wearing a dark grey suit, blue tie and a black face mask bearing the Puma sports brand motif and the message “Stronger Together”, Mr Becker spoke only to confirm his name, to enter his pleas, and to state that he understood that a warrant would be issued for his arrest if he absconded on bail.

His trial is now expected to take place in September next year. Prosecutor Rebecca Chalkley said he may face further charges at a later date.

Defence counsel Jonathan Caplan said: “He is determined to face and contest these charges and restore his reputation in relation to the allegations made against him.”

The former world number one and six-time Grand Slam champion collected 49 singles titles out of 77 finals during his 16 years as a professional tennis player.

He was picked to enter the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2003, and has been a commentator on the BBC and at tennis tournaments around the world.

The former world Number 1’s charges included concealing more than £1m held in bank accounts, as well as property both abroad and in the UK.

The court heard that this included a charge that he failed, being bankrupt, to disclose his property interest in Coleherne Court, Chelsea, southwest London.

The indictment also contained similar charges for two properties in his home town of Leimen, between Frankfurt and Stuttgart, in Germany.

Mr Becker is also accused of removing hundreds of thousands of pounds by transferring it to other accounts, including to former wife Barbara Becker, and estranged wife Sharlely “Lilly” Becker.

It is also alleged he hid his holding of shares in a firm called Breaking Data Corp.

The sportsman was released on bail ahead of his trial next year, which is due to last up to four weeks.

Additional reporting by PA