Berlusconi sex-for-hire trial reaches final stage after 2 months of delays

MILAN – Former Premier Silvio Berlusconi's sex-for-hire trial has entered its final stage with a Milan prosecutor making long-delayed closing arguments.

Berlusconi is accused of paying for sex with an underage Moroccan prostitute at a lavish party he hosted and then trying to cover it up. The sensational trial reopened Monday just days after Berlusconi's four-year sentence for tax fraud was confirmed by an appeals court. The prostitution trial had been delayed by more than two months for elections, a health issue and a change of venue request that was denied.

Prosecutor Ilda Boccassini told the court that the girls invited to Berlusconi's parties "were part of a system of prostitution organized for the pleasure of Silvio Berlusconi."

Boccassini will wrap up her closing with sentencing demands.