Chris Huhne charged over speeding claims

Former energy secretary Chris Huhne has been charged with perverting the course of justice over claims he persuaded his ex-wife to take speeding points on his behalf.

The charge relates to claims Huhne lied to police about who was driving a speeding car in 2003. Ex-wife Vicky Pryce faces the same charges and both are due to appear in court on 16 February.

Huhne has said he is innocent but announced he was resigning from his Cabinet position “to avoid distraction” while he fights the charges.

Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer said: "The essence of the charges is that between March and May 2003, Mr Huhne, having allegedly committed a speeding offence, falsely informed the investigating authorities that Ms Pryce had been the driver of the vehicle in question, and she falsely accepted that she was the driver."

Huhne and Pryce face prison sentences of more than two years if convicted of perverting the course of justice. 

Have you ever been asked to take the blame for someone else’s motoring offence? Or have you been tempted to offer? Tell us by E-mailing mail@autoexpres.co.uk.