A German court has convicted former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann of property damage and attempted fraud, ordering him to pay a fine of £112,500.
The verdict stems from an incident in 2022, where the 54-year-old Lehmann used a chainsaw to damage the roof beams of his neighbor’s newly built garage.
Initially, Lehmann faced a suspended prison sentence and a fine exceeding £350,000, but he appealed the ruling.
As part of the resolution, Lehmann reached an out-of-court settlement with his neighbor, reportedly paying over £50,000.
Meanwhile, he also faced charges for dodging parking fines, which have since been paid according to The Sun.
However, Lehmann’s lawyer, Florian Ufer, confirmed that his client has reached an amiable agreement with the plaintiff, stating: “Mr. Lehmann accepts responsibility. He has come to an agreement with his neighbor. The parking fees have been paid.”
This development comes following Lehmann’s arrest for alleged drunk driving in Munich, following Oktoberfest celebrations.
According to Senior Public Prosecutor Anne Leiding, Lehmann, who had the highest number of continuous minutes without conceding a goal (853 minutes) during the 2005/06 season, was pulled over on September 23, 2024, at 1:30 a.m. due to suspicious driving behavior.
The legendary Arsenal shot-stopper was reportedly staggering and smelled of alcohol. He reportedly failed to complete a roadside breath test, leading to a blood sample being taken and his driver’s license being confiscated.
Jens Lehmann’s Illustrious Football Career
The German football legend Jens Lehmann has left an indelible mark on the sport of football, boasting an impressive career spanning over two decades.
The 54-year-old club career began at Schalke 04, where he made 274 appearances and won two Bundesliga titles from 1988 to 1998.
He then had a brief stint at AC Milan, making five appearances in the 1998-1999 season. His next destination was Borussia Dortmund, where he secured 129 appearances and a Bundesliga title from 1999 to 2003.
In 2003, Lehmann joined Arsenal, becoming an integral part of the “Invincibles” team that won the Premier League title in the 2003-2004 season. He also lifted the FA Cup in 2005.
Subsequently, Lehmann made 200 appearances for Arsenal before moving to Stuttgart from 2008 to 2010, where he played 65 games. He briefly returned to Arsenal in 2011, making one appearance.
On the international stage, Lehmann represented Germany’s U21 team from 1990 to 1992, earning six caps. He then graduated to the senior team, making 61 appearances and helping Germany reach the 2006 FIFA World Cup semifinals.
Jens Lehmann’s honours
Throughout his career, Jens Lehmann accumulated numerous honors, including three Bundesliga titles, one Premier League title, one FA Cup, and a UEFA Champions League runner-up medal. He also secured third place at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Jens Lehmann individual achievement
In addition, Lehmann’s individual achievements include two Bundesliga Goalkeeper of the Season awards in 1997 and 2002 and the UEFA Best Goalkeeper award in 2006.
Regarded as one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in football history, Lehmann’s legacy is marked by exceptional goalkeeping skills, leadership, and achievements with both club and country.
However, the former goalkeeper’s recent run-ins with the law have put a stain on his reputation, raising concerns about his personal life and struggles.
After retiring in 2011, Lehmann has explored coaching, punditry, and acting, disproving any notions of financial hardship stemming from his unfortunate burglary incident.
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