Jury told to "ignore his celebrity" of tennis ace Boris Becker

A jury has been told to "ignore his celebrity" of tennis ace Boris Becker who is accused of hiding millions of pounds as well as the Wimbledon trophy that made his name when he was declared bankrupt.

The 54-year-old German former world No.1 was declared bankrupt in June 2017, and is now charged with 24 counts of hiding assets from the Insolvency Service.

As a result, the High Court in London imposed restrictions on the six-times Grand Slam winner's finances for the next decade as the Insolvency Service raised concerns over 'undisclosed' transactions.

He is accused of concealed, removed or failed to declare around £1.7 million (€2 million).

The tennis star is also said to have hidden a loan debt of £713,000 (€850,000), 75,000 shares in an AI services company, two homes in Germany and an exclusive flat in Chelsea, west London.

Prosecutors alleged he hid prizes, including two Wimbledon trophies, two President's Cups, the Davis Cup Gold Coin and Trophy, two Australian Open trophies, and the Olympic Gold medal, which he won in 1992.

A jury of 11 men and one woman were sworn in to hear the trial at Southwark Crown Court today (Monday March 21).

The tennis ace, who now lives in an exclusive riverside apartment block in Battersea, south west London, sat in the dock wearing a navy suit with no tie.

He was supported in court by his girlfriend, political risk analyst Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro.

Judge Deborah Taylor, Recorder of Westminster, said: "You must ignore what you have read or heard about the defendant: you start with a blank page.

"You must ignore the defendant's celebrity and treat him as you would someone who you have not heard of or has not been in the public eye."

The tennis star, who regularly features as a BBC commentator and newspaper columnist in Britain will be assisted by a German translator throughout the trial, which an earlier hearing heard will aid with the "odd word or nuance".

Rebecca Chalkley, prosecuting on behalf of the Insolvency Service, is expected to open her case this afternoon.

Becker denies seven counts of concealing property, five of failing to disclose estate, two removal of property, concealing debt, and nine counts of failing to deliver trophies and other awards.