Harry Redknapp today started the long-awaited trial where he stands accused of tax evasion during his spell at Portsmouth with Milan Mandaric.
Harry stands accused of taking bungs over player transfers, one in particular grabbed attention which involved Peter Crouch going to Villa. Redknapp was a director at Portsmouth and had a contract which saw him get 10% of player transfers which was later reduced to 5% when he became the manager.
The prosecution is trying to prove that Harry flew to Monaco to set up a bank account in his dogs name to receive “substantial” payments of money thought to be bungs over player transfers.
John Black QC opened the Crown’s case at Southwark Crown Court by telling jurors “both parties must have known” they were avoiding taxes.
“These payments were a bung or offshore bonus that the parties had absolutely no intention of paying taxes for,” he said.
Redknapp’s “widespread popularity” was singled out by the prosecution.
“He is currently enjoying what may be described as footballing success,” Mr Black said.
“They (Tottenham) are currently riding high and are placed today as third in the league despite yesterday’s result.”
Redknapp is “unusually talented”, the Crown added.
Redknapp, appearing behind bullet-proof glass alongside Mandaric, read notes as Mr Black outlined how the manager received player transfer bonuses under a clause in his contract.
Mr Black focused on the purchase of Peter Crouch for £1,250,000 before he was sold for £4.5 million.
Redknapp never mentioned the Monaco account as he was investigated by HM Revenue and Customs officials over his transfer dealings at West Ham United, the court heard.
The probe, between January 2004 and October 2006, “was originally prompted by concerns over a £300,000 payment… regarding profit made in a player transfer, namely Rio Ferdinand,” Mr Black said.
There prosecution are convinced they have the evidence to convict Redknapp which could lead to a prison sentence and ultimately cost him his job at Spurs and kill off any hopes of becoming the England manager next summer.
The case continues and is expected to last around 2 weeks.
4 Responses to “Redknapp Court Case Update – Day 1”
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Shouldn’t his dog be in the dock instead?
Ouch…!
For one, what does his current success have to do with anything… why should that be brought up? Does that somehow work against him?
And IF found guilty, I have to say, I don’t have any sympathy for him, only us the Spurs faithful. I mean it’s a classic case of theiving from public. I hate paying my taxes, but hey ho, I have to pay them and our national debt needs bloody sorting before we are using wheel-barrows full of cash to pay for bread down Costcutters. What I hate more is the people that cheat tax and cheat the benefit system, especially in today’s climate. I’ll have little sympathy for a rich man skimping on his tax when he can easily afford to pay it. It’s bonkers – utter stupidity.
Like I say though, I mean this IF he is fond guilty, which I hope he isn’t. I hope the HMRC are wrong and all is dandy by the end of Jan. Ill can we afford this getting in the way of what is turning out to be our best season in my life time. Good luck Harry, and by that I mean, good luck to us spurs fans.
COYS
HAHAHA Top manager my arse..one cup in 30 odd years… as good as it gets 8 points behind the mighty sky blues..hope the old twat gets time…
After his public slating of Mario that will be justice
ps
Dont drop the soap arry,,
there will b a few gooners in there waiting to greet him….