NEW YORK, Nov 3, 2001/ --- Australian private eye-turned-author Frank Monte, who claims the Versace family has links to the mafia, is finally giving his version of the saga to a Sydney court.

Monte, who is being sued by the Versace family for defamation over claims he makes in his book, "The Spying Game," treated the court to extracts from a diary he claims proves that he worked for murdered designer Gianni Versace.

The flamboyant Aussie's day in court comes after four days of evidence which included testimony from siblings Donatella and Santo Versace. The family disputes allegations in Monte's book that they have ties to the mafia and that Donatella and Santo are connected to the 1997 murder of their brother.

Monte claims that he was hired to protect the famed designer in 1996 and 1997 and that during that time Gianni confided in him about the family's alleged mafia links. The controversial book was due to be published in June this year but was withdrawn after the Versace family threatened legal action.

Despite a confidentiality gag on portions of his testimony, Monte told the Federal Court about James Bond-style meetings with the late designer, spy trips to Egypt and a mysterious Arab. He claims Gianni called him "Franko" or "Francesco" and that they conversed in both English and Italian.

"[I wrote the book] for several matters - to make money, to change professions, to entertain, to set the record straight about parts of my life," Monte told the court.

Monte will continue with his testimony when the case resumes on Monday.