Former Energy Secretary Chris Huhne to face Crown Court trial

The pair appeared in the dock of Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning to face charges of perverting the course of justice.

Wearing a navy suit and maroon tie, the ex Cabinet Minister spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

Huhne, 57, has indicated he intends to plead not guilty to allegations relating to a speeding fine penalty in 2003.

The court clerk told the pair, who were allowed to sit in the dock: "The charges upon which you will stand trial at Southwark Crown Court are slightly different so I will put them to you both."

Details of the charge put to Pryce, 59, of Clapham, south London, this morning were that: "During the course of an investigation into an offence of driving a vehicle in excess of the speed limit on March 12, 2003, you falsely informed the investigating authorities that you had been the driver of the said vehicle, thereby enabling yourself to falsely admit responsibility for the offence, allowing your licence to be endorsed with three penalty points."

Huhne was told he faced a related count for allegedly informing the authorities that his ex-wife had been driving.

The two defendants were granted unconditional bail until their next appearance at Southwark Crown on March 2.