Brilliant.

Cesare Previti, lawyer and one-time right-hand man of Berlusconi, sentenced to five years for his role in corrupting a judge during one of Berlusconi’s many trials and tribulations, has had his sentence changed, yet again, thanks to the swings and roundabouts of a legal process that has never been short of controversial and highly political.

Previti, it will be remembered, gave his name informally to the controversial legislation sought by the last government, when it was rechristened ‘Salva Previti’ (as its provisions, coincidentally, would have had a very favourable impact upon his sentence).

He now, after all the swings and roundabouts of his case have been negotiated, will end up, serving his sentence by donating his time to the social services, giving free legal advice.

So, someone who has been found guilty of corrupting a judge, and subverting the course of justice in one of the most high-profile court cases this country has seen, will, as a punishment, be giving free legal advice.

Brilliant.