Former Prime Minister Sylvio Berlusconi is out of appeals, now that Italy’s highest court has upheld his one-year prison sentence for tax evasion.

Berlusconi was now there in person as Rome’s Court of Cassation announced the results of its three-day hearing.  He proclaimed his innocence in a video message released after the verdict. 

It’s unlikely that the 76-year old will actually serve time, because of his age.  Italian justice also contains a host of legal maneuvers that the defense can use, such as forcing the original court in Milan to formally request his arrest and detention, or simply requesting a suspended sentence.

The court also called for a reexamination of Berlusconi’s 5-year ban from holding public office.

Berlusconi is still facing trial on charges of paying for sex with an underage prostitute and abusing the powers of his office to attempt to cover it up.