Becker given probation in
tax evasion trial
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By ROLAND LOSCH
Associated Press Writer
``I'm happy and relieved that this chapter is finally closed,'' Becker said
following the verdict, which was greeted by applause in the courtroom. ``I'm a
free man. That's the important thing.
``I accept that I am responsible for a mistake that I made 10 years ago and
I know that I have to pay for that.''
Becker, accused of avoiding $1.7 million in taxes, also was fined $300,000
and ordered to pay court costs. He admitted in court Wednesday that he kept a
residence in
Prosecutor Matthias Musiol had asked for a 3 1/2 -year jail sentence,
arguing that the 34-year-old Becker deliberately gave false information to save
money.
Becker's lawyer asked for probation, saying Becker wasn't the one who gave
false information about his finances.
``His advisers did that,'' said Joerg Weigell, adding that Becker was only
concerned about playing tennis.
Weigell said Becker has paid $3 million in back taxes, double the amount
sought by investigators.
Presiding Judge Huberta Knoeringer said Becker's confession,
and payment of back taxes, saved prosecutors the complicated process of proving
their case in court.
``I don't know how that would have ended,'' Knoeringer said.
Knoeringer also noted that Becker was young during the years when he claimed Monte Carlo as his residency and that he returned to the Germany in 1994 to pay taxes, unlike several other of the country's top sports stars.