Italy's supreme court upheld Silvio Berlusconi's acquittal late on Tuesday in his well-know Ruby case, enabling the former premier a key win when he is trying to unite his Forza Italia party to fight for regional elections in May.

After a hearing, the Supreme Court rejected prosecutors' appeal and confirmed Berlusconi's acquittal on charges he paid for sex with an underage minor during a party at his own villa, and used his power to cover it up.

A lower court had convicted the three-time premier of both charges, and sentenced him to seven years in prison and a lifetime ban from political affairs. But an appeals court overturned the decision last year.

According to Italian law, the highest court will issue its written ruling over the decision within 90 days. Endit

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