Pryce guilty over Huhne points (From Ealing Times)

Pryce guilty over Huhne points

2:53pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in National News © Press Association 2013

Disgraced MP Chris Huhne's ex-wife has been convicted of perverting the course of justice by taking his speeding points a decade ago.

Vicky Pryce, 60, of Crescent Grove, Clapham, south London, was found guilty by a jury of seven men and five women after a retrial at Southwark Crown Court. Former energy secretary Huhne pleaded guilty last month to perverting the course of justice by passing his points to Pryce in 2003, ending his political career. Both now face jail.

Pryce looked open-mouthed in shock as the foreman told the court the jury, which retired at 3pm on Tuesday, had reached a unanimous guilty verdict.

Judge Mr Justice Sweeney granted Pryce bail until sentencing, a date for which has not been set, when he will also sentence Huhne. He told the economist, as he had told Huhne, to be under no illusion of what sentence to expect.

"Obviously Ms Pryce was present when I indicated to Mr Huhne the inevitable consequences of a conviction for an offence of this sort. She must be under no illusions that my granting of bail indicates any watering down of that provisional approach."

He thanked the jury for discharging their task "assiduously" in a case which could not have been easy.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, which investigated the offence, said: "The conviction of Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce has been achieved through the thorough and steadfast investigation conducted by officers and specialist staff at Essex and Kent Police.

"Perverting the course of justice is a serious offence. We hope this conviction serves as a timely reminder to motorists who try and avoid driving bans by 'giving' their points to others. This practice is not only unlawful, but has life-changing consequences for those who get caught flouting the rules."

Pryce's solicitor, Robert Brown, made a statement on her behalf outside the court. He said: "Mrs Pryce is naturally very disappointed to have been convicted. She would like to thank all those who have supported her during this difficult process, particularly her children, her friends and colleagues.

"Mrs Pryce will return to court to be sentenced in due course. No further comment will be made until this is completed."