Essex: Drivers warned about taking speeding points after MP's ex-wife found guilty (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

Essex: Drivers warned about taking speeding points after MP's ex-wife found guilty

4:59pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

Drivers have been warned of the consequences of taking speeding points on behalf of other drivers after a high-profile conviction.

The former wife of ex-Liberal Democrat MP Chris Huhne has been found guilty of perverting the course of justice.

Vicky Pryce, 60, took a speeding ticket for her husband on the M11, near Chigwell, in March 2003, to prevent him obtaining points on his licence.

Huhne, 58, pleaded guilty on February 4, while Pryce was found guilty by a jury today following a trial at Southwark Crown Court.

Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate were first contacted in May 2011 with information regarding an offence of perverting the course of justice.

The original offence occurred when a black BMW activated a speed camera on the M11 by travelling 69mph in a 50mph zone on March 12, 2003.

A Notice of Intended Prosecution was duly sent, which was returned stating that Vicky Pryce was driving the car at the time of the offence.

But Pryce later revealed Huhne was the driver in a story printed in a national newspaper in May 2011.

Huhne and Pryce were charged with perverting the course of justice on February 3, 2012.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, 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."