It must issue a definitive conviction by early next year if the case is not to run out of time under Italy's statute of limitations. Mr Mills said: "My faith in the Italian justice system is becoming a trifle strained. But I am sure that when the case gets to the Supreme Court in Rome in the New Year the Court, which guards Italy's legal reputation, will deliver a fair verdict." The prosecution claims that the offence was committed in 2000, and Italian law allows ten years for a definitive conviction in bribery cases.
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