Doctor says Silvio Berlusconi's eye condition 'should not prevent him attending court' as tax fraud appeal goes ahead in his absence Former Prime Minister admitted to hospital on Friday with eye problem Also missed trial for having sex with an underage prostitute Physician rules condition is not 'legitimate impediment' to him appearing Verdicts in both cases expected soon as Italy remains in political deadlock Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has missed two separate trial hearings while in hospital with an eye condition Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi remains in hospital with an eye condition as judges ruled his tax fraud appeal can go ahead without him. The 76-year-old was given a four-year jail sentence for tax fraud in connection with the purchase of broadcasting rights by his television network Mediase. He is also accused of having sex with an underage teenage prostitute at a party at his Milan villa. But he missed his sex trial yesterday after being hospitalised with an eye problem. But today the court in his tax fraud case sent a physician to examine him who ruled his problem was not a 'legitimate impediment' to him appearing in court. 'It's been rejected, we are carrying on,' one of Berlusconi's lawyers told Reuters. The ruling meant the appeals hearing could go ahead with or without the defendant being present. A final ruling in the sex case had been expected on March 18 but it was not clear if the adjournment would cause a delay. Under Italian law he has a right to be present at all his trial hearings. Italian judges sent a physician to examine Berlusconi today who ruled his eye condition was not a 'legitimate impediment' to him appearing in court