Massimo Tartaglia, the man who attacked Premier Silvio Berlusconi with a spiked metal model of Milan Cathedral in December, has been acquitted by a judge in Milan.
Judge Luisa Savoia ruled that Tartaglia [42] was not of sound mind at the time of the attack and so was incapable of understanding what he was doing or the consequences.
Tartaglia has been placed on one year’s probation, subject to good behaviour, at the mental health institution where he has been detained. He has also been prohibited from attending any public gathering for one year.
Tartaglia’s lawyers and family are said to be happy with the decision because, under the ruling, he will continue to receive treatment.
A spokesman for Mr Berlusconi’s Pdl Party has expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling as Tartaglia could have killed Mr Berlusconi, who issued a statement of forgiveness shortly after the attack.
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