MILAN – A Milan court acknowledged Monday the former Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi guilty of having sex with an underage prostitute during the famous parties he organized in his house, and then having used his power to cover it up.

Berlusconi, who is 76 years old, was sentenced to seven years imprisonment. He was also charged with a lifetime ban on holding public office.

This ban could put an end to 20 years of political career for the “Cavaliere”, which however has the ability to take his case on appeal to two other instances before his sentence becomes final.