Chris Huhne's ex-wife Vicky Pryce denies speed charge

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Former energy secretary Chris Huhne's ex-wife today denied perverting the course of justice by taking a speeding penalty for her former husband.

Vicky Pryce pleaded not guilty at Southwark Crown Court, where she appeared alongside the former Cabinet minister.

Huhne, 57, did not enter a plea to a similar charge of perverting the course of justice.

His arraignment was adjourned for an application to dismiss the charge, the court heard.

It is alleged that Huhne, from Dutton Lane, Eastleigh, Hants, who wore a dark suit and maroon polka-dot tie, persuaded Pryce to take his penalty points for a speeding offence almost a decade ago.

His ex-wife's defence will be one of marital coercion.

A provisional trial date has been set for October 2, due to last no more than two weeks.

Pryce, 59, from Crescent Grove, Clapham, south London, wore a beige linen jacket and a brown knee-length skirt, and was listed in court by her Greek forename Vasiliki.

The former couple did not make eye contact with each other during the hearing.

Both defendants were released on unconditional bail until a pre-trial hearing on a date to be fixed, probably next month.

PA