An Italian judge has ordered Silvio Berlusconi to stand trial for allegedly bribing a senator to join his party’s ranks, in the latest legal woe for the former prime minister.

Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi is to stand trial in February on a political corruption charge, a judge has ruled.

ITALIAN Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is facing new accusations over a prostitution scandal that has added a fresh distraction as Italy struggles to avert a debt crisis which could tear the eurozone apart.

Italian police have arrested a businessman accused of allegedly extorting money from premier Silvio Berlusconi to ensure the man’s co-operation in a probe over recruiting prostitutes to attend wild parties at Mr Berlusconi’s home.

ITALIAN police have arrested a businessman on charges of allegedly extorting money from Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.