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Chris Huhne speeding claim case decision 'very close' | Chris Huhne speeding claim case decision 'very close' |
(about 21 hours later) | |
Prosecutors say they are "very close" to deciding whether to prosecute the Energy Secretary Chris Huhne over claims he tried to avoid a speeding penalty. | Prosecutors say they are "very close" to deciding whether to prosecute the Energy Secretary Chris Huhne over claims he tried to avoid a speeding penalty. |
The Director of Public Prosecutions said the only remaining issue was evidence held by a newspaper. | The Director of Public Prosecutions said the only remaining issue was evidence held by a newspaper. |
Keir Starmer said the authorities were taking court action to obtain it. | Keir Starmer said the authorities were taking court action to obtain it. |
Mr Huhne has denied claims he asked his then wife to take responsibility for a driving offence in 2003. | Mr Huhne has denied claims he asked his then wife to take responsibility for a driving offence in 2003. |
Police began investigating Mr Huhne more than five months ago after claims emerged that the Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh asked his ex-wife, Vicky Pryce, to accept penalty points on his behalf. | Police began investigating Mr Huhne more than five months ago after claims emerged that the Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh asked his ex-wife, Vicky Pryce, to accept penalty points on his behalf. |
Mr Starmer told Radio 5 live's Victoria Derbyshire: "We are very close to a decision. There is one remaining issue which is that we are seeking some material which is held by a national newspaper. | |
"That means we need a court order to gain access to that material, we now have court proceedings ongoing and we just need to wait until they are resolved to take a decision. | "That means we need a court order to gain access to that material, we now have court proceedings ongoing and we just need to wait until they are resolved to take a decision. |
"That is the only thing we are waiting for now." | "That is the only thing we are waiting for now." |
"Important principle" | "Important principle" |
The speeding offence is alleged to have taken place in 2003 when Mr Huhne - then an MEP - was driving home from Stansted Airport after flying back from the European Parliament. | The speeding offence is alleged to have taken place in 2003 when Mr Huhne - then an MEP - was driving home from Stansted Airport after flying back from the European Parliament. |
Police delivered an initial evidence file to the CPS in July but have since been pursuing other leads. | Police delivered an initial evidence file to the CPS in July but have since been pursuing other leads. |
Mr Starmer added: "I understand why people think it is taking a lot of time but the way in which we get material from journalists is an important principle, quite separate from the Chris Huhne case." | Mr Starmer added: "I understand why people think it is taking a lot of time but the way in which we get material from journalists is an important principle, quite separate from the Chris Huhne case." |
Mr Huhne - who left Ms Pryce for another woman last year - has described the allegations as "simply incorrect". He said he hoped the probe would "draw a line" under the furore. | Mr Huhne - who left Ms Pryce for another woman last year - has described the allegations as "simply incorrect". He said he hoped the probe would "draw a line" under the furore. |
When the police investigation was launched he said the claims had been "made before and been shown to be untrue". | When the police investigation was launched he said the claims had been "made before and been shown to be untrue". |
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