The British tax lawyer David Mills is to stand trial charged with corruption alongside ex-Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi, a Milan judge has ruled

The judge said enough evidence existed for a trial to go ahead over a £325,000 payment to Mr Mills, allegedly paid in exchange for favourable court evidence. Mr Mills and Mr Berlusconi were already facing trial next month on tax evasion and embezzlement charges in Italy.

Mr Mills, separated husband of british minister Tessa Jowell, denies all the charges. The trial is due to begin in March next year.

Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said Ms Jowell would not be “destabilised” by the judge's decision. The prime minister's official spokesman refused to be drawn on the case, saying Mr Mills was a “private individual”.

Source: Beta