Proof of sex acts in Berlusconi underage prostitution case: Court

MILAN - Reuters

Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. REUTERS Photo

Sufficient proof that former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi had sexual relations with nightclub dancer Karima El Mahroug in exchange for cash and gifts led to his conviction in his underage prostitution case, a Milan court said on Thursday.
 
The court handed Berlusconi a seven-year jail sentence in June for abuse of office and paying for sex with a minor.
 
In a document released on Thursday explaining the reasons behind the conviction, the court said "it is proved that the defendant had sexual relations with El Mahroug in exchange for considerable sums of money and other items such as jewellery."

Berlusconi was sentenced to 12 months in prison earlier this year for tax fraud and has subsequently also been barred from holding public office for two years. He insists he is innocent and blames his long history of legal woes on left-wing magistrates he says are determined to ensure his political demise.

Berlusconi has threatened to leave Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta’s coalition government if the Senate votes to exclude him this month over his conviction for tax fraud but Alfano, who is deputy prime minister and interior minister, has vowed to stay on.