A divorcee who paid child maintenance to his ex-wife in takeaway pizzas has been acquitted of all criminal charges.
An Italian court allowed Nicola Toso, 50, to pay child maintenance fees "in kind" with pizza after he became unable to pay fees in money.
Il Gazzetino reported that Mr Toso, a pizza baker from Padua, divorced Nicoletta Zuin in 2002 and according to their divorce settlement, paid 400 euros (about £303) a month in child maintenance fees for their daughter.
But after remarrying and having three more children, and following the economic crisis of 2008, Mr Toso struggled to pay the agreed amount.
As a substitute, Mr Toso offered his ex-wife free pizzas and calzone from the takeaway restaurant he managed between 2008 and 2010.
Ms Zuin did not accept this and filed a criminal complaint against her ex-husband.
Mitigating for Mr Toso, Sonia Della Greca said the baker was struggling financially and had to close his business in 2010.
Presiding judge Chiara Bitozzi ruled that there was no evidence to suggest that Mr Toso had committed a crime and acquitted him of all criminal charges of not being able to pay child support.
In 2011, their daughter moved in with Mr Toso.
As a result Ms Zuin was then compelled to pay Mr Toso 300 euros (about £228) in child support.
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