Guilty Verdict, 7-Year Jail Sentence Re: Sex With Underage Nightclub Dancer Named "Ruby the Heartstealer" Said To Be Least Of Silvio Berlusconi's Problems

Italian judges have ruled that former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was guilty of having sex with a minor and abusing his power. Berlusconi has been given a 7-year jail sentence, though the sentence is pending appeal. He has also been given a lifetime ban from public office. Berlusconi's lawyer said he would appeal the verdict, as expected. Earlier, judges in a Milan court had retired to consider their verdict on Monday in a trial surrounding allegations that Berlusconi had sex with former nightclub dancer Karima El Mahroug, known as "Ruby the Heartstealer," who was then under 18...According to Giovanni Orsina, professor of Italian history at the Luiss-Guido Carli University in Rome, the real worry for Berlusconi and the future of Italy's government isn't from Monday's ruling but from another case that Berlusconi faces over tax fraud, which could ultimately undo his political career. "This trial has more visibility, it's more interesting than the tax trial, but ultimately the tax fraud trial will have more of a final effect," Orsina said. "But the trial in November over tax fraud is the last appeal and if guilty, Berlusconi would be out of politics for good," he added. [CNBC]