Chris Huhne, former cabinet minister and his ex-wife Vicky Pryce were sentenced to 8 months custody each by Southwark Crown Court this week. The sentences come after Huhne changed his plea and Pryce was convicted after trial. The full BBC report is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21737627
Both faced allegations of perverting the course of justice for providing false information in relation to who was driving a BMW recorded as speeding on the M11 in 2003.
The background to the charges demonstrates the simple actions that can lead to a lengthy prison term in driving cases. Huhne received a Notice of Intended Prosecution for the speeding offence but as he already had 9 points on his licence, a further endorsement of 3 points or more would have made him liable for a totting disqualification for a minimum of 6 months. He therefore nominated his then wife, Pryce, as the driver. This case unravelled when Pryce took her story to the press following the breakdown of her relationship with Huhne but the simplicity with which the points were given to Pryce means it is tempting for many motorists in Huhne’s position to consider doing just as he did and ask another to take the points.
At Hine, we provide a comprehensive service, offering advice from receipt of Notices of Intended Prosecution right through to Court proceedings. We can discuss with you any defences or special reasons and our experienced Court advocates have a proven track record at presenting exceptional hardship arguments which have successfully avoided disqualifications for many clients who would otherwise have been disqualified under the “totting up” provisions; one phone call to our team could help with the driving offence itself and avoid a spell in prison.
