Mr Previti is likely to appeal if convicted

Italian judges have postponed their verdict in the corruption trial of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's former personal lawyer, who faces a possible 13-year jail sentence.

Cesare Previti, defence minister in Mr Berlusconi's 1994 government, is accused of trying to influence two takeover battles.

Prosecutors allege he bribed a judge during one of the battles to favour Mr Berlusconi's Fininvest holding company.

Mr Berlusconi was originally charged in the same case - dating back to a 1991 struggle for control of the Mondadori publishing company - but he was acquitted under Italy's statute of limitations in 2000.

We are ready to be wrapped up in a conviction Previti lawyer, Giorgio Perroni

The other case, known by the initials IMI-SIR, has no connection with Mr Berlusconi's businesses.

Milan judges had been expected to deliver their verdict on Saturday, but postponed it until 29 April after Mr Previti lodged his seventh legal challenge.

Milan public prosecutor Ilda Boccassini has demanded a 13-year jail sentence for Mr Previti.

Correspondents say Mr Previti is certain to appeal if convicted.

He has claimed that the Milan courts are biased against him, and sought unsuccessfully to have the cases moved to Perugia, under a controversial new law passed in November last year.

Mr Previti's legal problems would not be completely over even if he is acquitted in the Mondadori and IMI-SIR trials.

He is a co-defendant with Mr Berlusconi in another corruption trial in Milan concerning a struggle for control of the SME state-owned food company.

A verdict in that trial is expected in the summer.