Harry Redknapp had sole responsibility for the Monaco bank account in the name of his dog into which money was paid by Milan Mandaric, a court has heard.
The only signature on records belonged to the Tottenham boss, jurors heard.
David Cusdin, vice-president of HSBC in Monaco between 2000 and 2005, said he was aware Mr Redknapp had visited the bank to open the account.
Mr Redknapp and Mr Mandaric both deny charges of cheating the public revenue during their time at Portsmouth.
The prosecution alleges Mr Mandaric made payments totalling $295,000 (about �189,000) into the account when he was Portsmouth chairman and Mr Redknapp was manager of the south coast side.
The court heard the account was called "Rosie47" - a combination of the name of Mr Redknapp's dog and his year of birth.
'Perfect gentleman'Giving evidence via videolink at Southwark Crown Court, Mr Cusdin said he was aware that Redknapp had flown to the principality to open an account.
"I was certainly aware of his visit - it was quite possible that I didn't open the account, it was one of my team - but I was certainly aware of the visit," Mr Cusdin told the court.
"I don't have a recollection - but I could well have shaken his hand at the meeting."
Mr Cusdin had met Mr Mandaric on several occasions, the court heard.
The ex-bank chief said he had known Mr Mandaric since the football chairman had sold club Nice in France.
"We had regular contact as clients and account officers would," he said.
The bank chief added that "Mr Mandaric, is a perfect gentleman... he would always ring prior to the visit".
The trial continues.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-16740033
latest world news bbc latest world news headlines list of world newspapers live world news with diane sawyer major world newspapers
No comments:
Post a Comment