Tennis star Boris Becker sentenced to prison and told: ‘You have no humility’

Grand Slam tennis legend Boris Becker has been sent to prison for two-and-a-half years for hiding assets to avoid paying debts.

Becker, who won six majors in his career and is the youngest Wimbledon champion of all time, was found guilty of four charges under the Insolvency Act earlier this month.

The 54-year-old will now pay for that in prison following sentencing in Southwark Crown Court.

Judge Deborah Taylor told Boris Becker: “You did not heed the warning you were given and the chance you were given by the suspended sentence and that is a significant aggravating factor.

“You have sought to distance yourself from your offending and your bankruptcy.

“While I accept your humiliation as part of the proceedings, there has been no humility.”

Prosecutor Rebecca Chalkley agreed, saying: “Even now, Mr Becker is still seeking to blame others when it was obviously his duty.”

However, Becker’s own barrister Jonathan Laidlaw pleaded for understanding, saying: “Boris Becker has literally nothing and there is also nothing to show for what was the most glittering of sporting careers and that is correctly termed as nothing short of a tragedy.

“These proceedings have destroyed his career entirely and ruined any further prospect of earning an income.”

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