Verdict due in Mills bribery case

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A verdict is expected later in Italy in the trial of British tax lawyer David Mills, who is accused of taking bribes from Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi.

It is alleged Mr Mills took more than £400,000 to give false testimony in two corruption trials involving the Italian leader. Both men deny any wrongdoing.

Prosecutors say Mr Mills used the money on a joint mortgage with his estranged wife, UK minister Tessa Jowell.

Ms Jowell was cleared of wrongdoing and Mr Berlusconi was granted immunity.

Olympics minister Ms Jowell was cleared after an investigation by UK Parliamentary officials.

If Mr Mills is found guilty, he could face more than four years in prison.

Tax havens

Mr Mills and Mr Berlusconi had been jointly accused in the case, but the Italian prime minister's involvement was suspended after he enacted a new law last year granting himself and three others immunity from prosecution while in office.

Mr Mills was one of Mr Berlusconi's consultants on offshore tax havens.

The prosecution alleges Mr Berlusconi paid Mr Mills for not revealing details of offshore companies during two previous trials in 1997 and 1998, in which the lawyer gave evidence as an expert witness.

Mr Mills initially admitted having received money from Mr Berlusconi "in recognition" of the evidence he gave, but later said the money had been paid to him by an Italian shipping magnate, Diego Attanasio.

However, Mr Attanasio says he was in prison at the time and did not make the payment.

After being swept into power for a third time last April, Mr Berlusconi proposed the controversial law granting legal immunity to the four most senior office holders in Italy, which includes the post of prime minister.

The bill was passed by both houses of parliament, with supporters arguing that the amendment was needed to allow the top state officials to focus on doing their jobs without legal distraction.