Berlusconi in surprise appearance at Rubygate trial Silvio Berlusconi has made an unexpected appearance at his trial in the so-called Rubygate case. The former Italian prime minister denies charges of paying for sex with an underage dancer, and of abusing his power in trying to get her released from police custody. Women claiming to have been present at parties in Berlusconi's house near Milan are giving evidence on Friday. So too are police officers who took their statements and who were on duty when the ex leader allegedly called them repeatedly. It is claimed that he told the police that Ruby was related to the former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. Both Berlusconi and the Moroccan-born dancer deny having had sex. The offence of paying for sex with a minor carries a potential three-year jail term in Italy. Earlier this week, Ruby described details of the parties she said took place in Berlusconi's villa. More about: Italy, Justice, Sex scandal, Silvio Berlusconi