Ecclestone in court over 'bribery'

THE TRIAL of Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone on bribery charges has begun in a case that could threaten his grip on the sport.

Ecclestone, 83, talked with his lawyers and smiled as he took his place at the Munich state court today.

He is accused of bribery and incitement to breach of trust, and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

The charges involve a £26 million payment to banker Gerhard Gribkowsky, who is serving an eight-and-a-half-year sentence for taking the money.

Prosecutors allege the payment was meant to facilitate the sale of German bank Bayern LB's stake in Formula One to a buyer of Ecclestone's liking.

Ecclestone has denied wrongdoing and said he was "shaken down".

By Press Association reporters