Berlusconi: I never had 'ruby' sex

Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has denied in court having had sex with an underage Moroccan girl, or ever paying for sex with any guest at his villa near Milan.

He also insisted that no gathering of a sexual nature took place at his home.

Berlusconi made the remarks during a rare appearance at his ongoing trial on charges of having paid for sex with teenager Karima el-Mahroug, better known as “Ruby”, and using his influence to cover it up.

His declaration was spontaneous, as is allowed for defendants in the Italian judicial system, and did not have the weight of sworn testimony.

His lawyers have indicated he will not testify in the Milan court.

Berlusconi has repeatedly denied the charges. In court, he said he “never had intimate relations of any kind” with Ms el-Mahroug.