End of the road

THERE is only one reason why disgraced ex-Minister Chris Huhne, and his former wife Vicky Pryce, are now beginning much deserved jail sentences for perverting the course of justice – arrogance.

If Huhne, a millionaire, had accepted the inevitability of a driving ban when he was caught speeding on the M11 exactly 10 years ago – after all, he could certainly have afforded a chauffeur – he would not have lost his liberty yesterday.

The same is true of Pryce. If she had not falsified documents to say she was driving the couple’s car on the night in question, her career as an economist would not be in ruins.

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Mr Justice Sweeney was right to impose custodial sentences on both individuals for the shameful manner in which they attempted to make a mockery of the judicial process with their decade-long deception.

For 12 months the pair had repeatedly denied the charges levelled against them, though Huhne did finally admit to his guilt on the eve of his trial last month. They could have spared the courts a lot of time – and money – if they had accepted the seriousness of the matter from the outset rather than pursuing vendettas against each other as their marriage deteriorated.

Second, the courts must send a powerful message that speeding, and the sharing of driving licence points, are extremely serious matters which become even more grave when the case involves a senior politician who believed that he was above the law.

Given the extent to which Huhne tried to lie his way out of trouble and how his ex-wife sought to manipulate the media, some will contend that their eight-month sentences are too short and the pair should consider themselves fortunate that they will be freed by the summer.