In Italy, showing too much flesh is a charge normally levelled at scantily-clad showgirls and actresses on late-night television.

But now the accusation has been made against a middle-aged magistrate from Tuscany.

Aldo Giubilaro has been formally reported by a group of politicians for having the temerity to hold a press conference without any socks on, as the country roasted in temperatures of up to 95°F.

He appears to have been attempting a classic Italian summer look – at this time of year the country is full of suave businessmen in sharp suits who forego socks in order to reveal tanned ankles, typically above a pair of expensive suede or leather loafers.

Mr Giubilaro, from the Tuscan town of Massa Carrara, did not quite have the mahogany tan to carry off the look with 100 per cent success, with his ankles appearing ivory white rather than mahogany brown.

But his sartorial choice was enough to invite the wrath of a senator, Lucio Barani, as well as 14 other centre-Right politicians, who sent an official complaint to the ministry of justice.

Mr Barani, a member of the upper house of parliament, accused the prosecutor of “not presenting a good image of the justice system.”