Lawmaker's ex-wife who blew whistle on 2003 speeding ticket switch also faces likely jail term
Both a leading former U.K. lawmaker and his ex-spouse are now looking at likely jail time over a 2003 speeding ticket, after Vicky Pryce was convicted by a London jury this week of perverting the course of justice.
Pryce, who is a prominent economist, appeared shocked by the verdict in the Southwark crown court jury trial, the Guardian reports. She had raised what the newspaper calls an “archaic” defense of marital coercion, contending that she was pressured by her husband, former cabinet minister Chris Huhne, into agreeing to take the rap for the ticket in order to save him from losing his license as a result of prior points already on his driving record.
Huhne, who was previously convicted of the same charge and warned by the judge that he could expect to serve time, stepped down both from his job as energy minister and as a member of Parliament as a result of the case.
Pryce was told by the judge, as he granted bail, that she faced the same likely jail time.
Although Pryce initially agreed to take responsibility for her husband’s speeding ticket, she reportedly blew the whistle on him after he left her for a legislative aide.
The Financial Times and the Telegraph have opinion articles about the case.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Lawmaker’s wife who took rap for hubby’s speeding ticket, then blew the whistle, wins mistrial”
