Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has asked to serve his 12-month sentence for tax fraud in the form of community service.

In August, Italy’s Supreme Court upheld Berlusconi's conviction concerning a tax fraud scheme involving TV rights bought by his company Mediaset at inflated prices.

It is the first definitive conviction for him after decades of criminal proceedings.

Because of his age, the 77-year-old former PM will not have to go to prison and had a choice of asking for either house arrest or community service.

If Berlusconi's request is accepted, a Rome-based court will decide what form the service will take, according to international media.

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