She also said she found Mr Abramovich “to be a truthful, and on the whole reliable, witness”.

Mr Berezovsky, who had told reporters before the verdict that: “I believe in the system”, afterwards said : “I am absolutely amazed by what’s happened today… particularly because Lady Gloster took the responsibility to rewrite Russian history.”

Abramovich was not in court for the ruling and is thought to be in Monte Carlo for Chelsea’s Super Cup Final on Friday night.

A statement issued on his behalf said: “There were many serious allegations made against Mr Abramovich by Mr Berezovsky, including attacks on Mr Abramovich’s honesty and integrity.

“We are pleased that the judge has firmly rejected all such allegations and has described Mr Abramovich as a truthful and frank witness who showed a responsible and honest approach when giving evidence in this case.”

When he gave evidence, Abramovich had said Mr Berezovsky was paid millions of pounds for his services as a “political godfather” but was not a business partner.

The court heard  Berezovsky had “fled Russia, never to return” in 2000, after falling out with President Vladimir Putin.

Berezovsky told the court he was born in Moscow, studied mechanics and mathematics and worked as a designer for Russian state car maker AvtoVAZ in the 1970s, before going into business in the 1980s.

Berezovsky had claimed Abramovich was a “gangster”.

Abramovich responded by saying there were times when Berezovsky was “something of a megalomaniac”.

Please click here for Template report, Oligarch’s Playground