Ruby not called to testify in Milan trial

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MILAN, Italy, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- A former showgirl testified in Milan court Friday that she was paid nearly $13,000 in financial assistance from former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Francesca Cipriani testified Friday at the trial of three people accused of procuring prostitutes for alleged sex parties at Berlusconi's villa at Arcore near Milan, Italy's ANSA news agency reported.

The three suspects on trial are former Berlusconi TV anchor Emilio Fede, ex-Berlusconi dental hygienist and Lombardy regional Councilor Nicole Minetti and bankrupt talent scout Lele Mora.

Cipriani said Berlusconi had given her money and expensive gifts after she attended parties at his villa.

"[Berlusconi] is a man who likes to give gifts," she told the court.

Another showgirl, Imma De Vivo, testified Friday, and said people at Berlusconi's parties danced around in a train formation.

"However there were no scenes of a sexual nature; it was just a cheerful 'train,'" De Vicv said.

Meanwhile, Ruby -- an underage belly dancer Berlusconi has been accused of paying to have sex with -- hasn't been called as a witness by the prosecution, ANSA said.

Prosecutors in the trial said they wouldn't call Ruby to testify so as to speed proceedings.