The former Lib Dem Cabinet minister Chris Huhne and his ex-wife are to stand trial next Monday over an allegation that she took speeding points for him so he could avoid prosecution in 2003.
Chris Huhne seen arriving at Southwark Crown Court today. Credit: Reuters
The events which led to the charges against Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce date back to March 2003 when Huhne's car was allegedly caught by a speed camera on the motorway between Stansted Airport in Essex and London.
Accusations of impropriety emerged only in 2010 after he had admitted an affair with PR adviser Carina Trimingham and ended his 26-year marriage to Pryce.
It is alleged that between March 12th 2003 and May 21st 2003, Pryce, 60, of Crescent Grove, Clapham, south London, falsely informed police that she was the driver of the car so Huhne could avoid prosecution.
Chris Huhne and his former wife Vicky Pryce were both charged last year with perverting the course of justice over the allegation, said to relate to a speeding offence in 2003.
Pryce previously pleaded not guilty on the grounds of marital coercion and Huhne today also entered a not guilty plea to the charge.
Former Energy Secretary Huhne, 58, from Dutton Lane, Eastleigh, Hants, stood down from the Cabinet following the charge last year, but remained the Lib Dem MP for Eastleigh.
Chris Huhne speeding points trial to begin next Monday
Chris Huhne, left, and his ex-wife Vicky Pryce. Credit: PA
The trial of former cabinet minister Chris Huhne and his ex-wife Vicky Pryce over claims he persuaded her to take his speeding points in 2003 will start next Monday, Southwark Crown Court heard today.
