Monday, October 18, 2010

Sean Connery denied to appear in court

Actor Sean Connery has denied a judge’s request to testify today in a Spanish court, citing health reasons.

Sean Connery, 80, did not show up in court today in Spain to testify in an investigation into tax evasion and money laundering involving a vacation property Connery once owned.


Connery, who lives with wife Micheline in the Bahamas, was summoned to appear in court over a vacation property they sold in Marbella, Spain.

The actor and his wife were not charged with a crime.

A court worker, confirming Connery's absence stated, "Mr Connery has informed the court in writing he won't be coming today. He has cited health reasons and his advanced age and said he has not been able to prepare the journey in time.

'The court is now considering its next move. The emission of an international arrest warrant is a possibility but a remote one. The most likely scenario is that the investigating magistrate will make a formal request through a rogatory commission to question Sir Sean at his home.

'The logistics of this will become clearer next week. It could be that a delegation goes to the Bahamas to quiz him. The other option would be that a team based locally is tasked to interview him."

Sean Connery and his wife sold Casa Malibu in 1999 and it was then demolished.  Over 70 apartments were built in its place even though regulations said only five apartments could be built there.

Over 20 people, including former town hall officials and Connery;s lawyers, were called to give evidence in private court hearings designed to determine if charges should be laid.

The magistrate said he may issue an international arrest warrant against Sir SeanConnery and his wife if they failed to attend today’s court hearing.

He warned, "All legal means available under both national and international law can be used to oblige them to appear."

[Source]

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