Thursday, July 27, 2017

Nick Philippoussis faces life in US prison

Australian tennis coach Nick Philippoussis faces a life jail sentence in the US for sexually abusing two nine-year-old girls in different San Diego locations including his car, home and a tennis complex.

Philippoussis, 68, looked frail as he sat in handcuffs, leg irons and a blue prison jumpsuit in a closed off area of the Vista, California courtroom just north of San Diego on Thursday.

At one point he peered through a small opening, saw his son, the former professional tennis star Mark Philippoussis at the back of the public gallery, and smiled and waved.

Philippoussis Snr entered not guilty pleas to 14 charges relating to the assaults of the two girls who he coached.

He faces a maximum jail sentence of 210 years to life if convicted.

The charges include oral copulation and lewd acts on the girls.

Deputy district attorney Garret Wong described what Philippoussis Snr allegedly did to the girls as “a parents’ worst nightmare”.

Philippoussis Snr’s lawyer Ryan Tegnelia however said his client was innocent and would fight the charges.

Philippoussis’ family, including Mark, were in shock after the arrest but were supporting him.

“This caught everyone completely flat footed,” Mr Tagnelia said.

Philippoussis Snr will likely remain in jail in San Diego until the end of the court proceedings as Judge David Danielsen agreed to substantially raise his bail from $US2.5 million to $US9.2 million.

Source: Nick Philippoussis faces life in US prison | Perth Now


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