THE CORRUPTION trial of former Panama gadabout  Valter Lavitola and former Finmeccanica Commercial Director Paolo Pozzessere has been scheduled for Feb. 7 in the Court of Rome.

The  much postponed  trial was supposed to be this month, but will be delayed due to the unexpected retirement of Judge Adele Rando.

The delay in the case will give the court a chance to assign a new magistrate.

The case dates from 2014, and has been the subject of numerous delays, mostly due to requests from defense lawyers.

It is based on alleged bribes paid to officials in Panama in exchange for a $250 million defense contract.