Italian PM Berlusconi faces Ruby sex charge trial

Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi has been indicted to stand trial on charges of paying for sex with an under-age prostitute and abuse of power.

Examining judge Cristina Di Censo said the process would start on 6 April, after prosecutors in Milan asked for an immediate trial.

Mr Berlusconi denies paying for sex with Karima El Mahroug when she was 17.

He also rejects claims that he abused his power by seeking her release when she was detained in another case.

The BBC's Duncan Kennedy in Rome said that although Mr Berlusconi has had previous brushes with the law, he has never faced charges for such crimes before.