Delighted Becker avoids prison

Boris Becker was overwhelmed with relief today at escaping jail after a German court found him guilty of tax evasion.

"I'm free, that's all that matters," said the three-time Wimbledon champion after he was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence and a fine.

"I'm happy and relieved that this chapter is finally over - a tough and troubled phase of my life has come to an end.

"The investigations have taken six years, with the prosecutor working on my case for 10 years now."

The 34-year-old retired tennis star, who admitted failing to pay taxes of around £2m pounds, said he accepted the court's verdict which also included a 300,000 euros (£189,000) fine.

The sentence followed a one-day trial during which Becker admitted he had kept a residence in Germany 10 years ago while claiming he lived in the tax haven of Monaco.

Becker had sought clemency with an admission in court that he had made a mistake and by paying back taxes to the state.

The prosecution claimed he had deliberately given false information to save money and had demanded he be jailed for more than three years for avoiding taxes and lying about where he lived.

There was no indication whether the prosecutor would lodge an appeal against the verdict.