Berlusconi set to ride out bribery charges storm

ITALY’S billionaire premier Silvio Berlusconi made a rare — and possibly his last — appearance in a Milan court yesterday for his trial on bribery charges.

He insisted there was no evidence against him and lamented the damage that is being done to Italy's image abroad.

Mr Berlusconi is the first sitting Italian premier to stand trial and it was only the third time he has showed up since the proceeding began three years ago. With an immunity about to be passed, it may be his last appearance for some years.