SHAMED former Cabinet minister Chris Huhne and his ex-wife were both beginning eight-month jail terms last night for their speeding ban scam.
Ex-Lib Dem MP Huhne, 58, and Vicky Pryce, 60, were sentenced in London.
Disgraced Huhne wrecked a glittering political career and ripped his family apart... all for a love affair.
The millionaire was jailed for perverting justice a decade ago when he persuaded his then-wife Pryce to take his speeding points to spare him a road ban.
Disgraced Huhne wrecked a glittering political career and ripped his family apart... all for a love affair.
The millionaire was jailed for perverting justice a decade ago when he persuaded his then-wife Pryce to take his speeding points to spare him a road ban.
But the crime only emerged eight years later because Huhne walked out on Pryce and their three children after 26 years of marriage.
Economic expert Pryce was furious at being dumped for his bisexual PR aide Carina Trimingham and took revenge by spilling the beans.
And last night Huhnes former Westminster colleagues were asking: Was a love affair worth all that misery?
And last night Huhnes former Westminster colleagues were asking: Was a love affair worth all that misery?
Huhne, in an interview given before he was sentenced, last night hinted at his deep regret that the bitter legal battle had shattered his relationship with his children Nicholas, Lydia and Peter.
He said he felt awful that people I love have been dragged into this gruelling experienceHuhne added:I certainly lied and lied again and part of it was about saving my career but it was also partly to avoid the consequences for my family. I am sorry.
He said he felt awful that people I love have been dragged into this gruelling experienceHuhne added:I certainly lied and lied again and part of it was about saving my career but it was also partly to avoid the consequences for my family. I am sorry.
Huhne also insisted he was sorry Pryce had been sent to prison. He added: I didnt want her to go to jail, I told the kids that. Revenge eats you up. It does worse things to you than to the person you are attempting to attack
Huhne and Pryce yesterday stood side-by-side in the dock, refusing to even glance at each other, as Mr Justice Sweeney handed down identical sentences.
He said Huhne, who twice challenged for the Lib Dem leadership and had been widely tipped to succeed Nick Clegg, had fallen from a great heightThe judge told them. Any element of tragedy is entirely your own fault.
During the trial Londons Southwark Crown Court heard how Huhne was snapped by a speed camera in 2003 on the M11 in Essex.
At the time the up-and-coming Lib Dem star had nine points.
So Pryce wrongly claimed to have been driving so he did not get an automatic ban at a point when he was hoping to stand as MP for Eastleigh, Hants.
When news of the scam finally broke in 2010, Huhne strenuously denied any wrongdoing for months.
He only pleaded guilty on the opening day of his trial. Pryce denied perverting justice, insisting Huhne bullied her into taking his points. A jury found her guilty.
And Mr Justice Sweeney yesterday said Pryce had willingly played her part to avoid the inconvenience of having to drive him everywhere.
And Mr Justice Sweeney yesterday said Pryce had willingly played her part to avoid the inconvenience of having to drive him everywhere.
More than ever actually and would love to do it soon. In other emails she outlined her intention to bring him down while avoiding prosecution herself.
The judge said she was motivated by an implacable desire for revengeHe added that Greek-born Pryce, who also has two daughters from a previous marriage, had a ;controlling, manipulative and devious side
The bitter marriage break-up and subsequent legal battle had a devastating effect on Huhne and Pryces children. At one stage son Peter, 20, sent his dad a text that read: Youre a pathetic loser and a joke In December 2010 Huhne texted Peter to say Happy Christmas, signing off: Love you. DadFurious Peter replied: ;Well I hate you, so fu*k off.
Prosecutor Andrew Edis QC said Huhne repeatedly lied during the police investigation into Pryces claims. He said the MP had selective amnesia and tried to get the case dismissed.
Mr Edis said because of this lengthy process it had cost ?79,000 to bring Huhne to trial money the prosecution will attempt to claim back from him in costs.
David Cameron last night said the jailing of Huhne proved nobody was above the law. He added: Its a reminder no one, however high and mighty, is out of the reach of the justice system.Deputy PM Nick Clegg said it was a personal tragedy for Chris, Vicky and their families...
At the time he insisted: Im innocent of these charges and I intend to fight this in the courts. Im confident a jury will agree. YEAH RIGHT................
Pryce held top positions at the Trade Department and is a former head of the Governments Economic Service.
Huhne spent his first night behind bars in South Londons Wandsworth Prison. Pryce spent hers in Holloway, North London.
The couple are likely to serve around four months each.Not enough make them do the full 8 they will love it..................
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