Chris Huhne

[Beefster]

Strong rumours (from his ex-Missus) that the smug twat will indeed be charged.

Happy days.

[Lucius Apuleius]

Will she not get charged as well?

[s.a.m]

She's expected to be charged as well.

[easty]

Whats the likely punishment for him?

[Beefster]

She's expected to be charged as well.

Yup. Both charged with perverting the course of justice.


Whats the likely punishment for him?

I think the norm is 4-9 months custodial sentence.

[Big Ed]

He has resigned.

[Greentinted]

Resigned but still claiming innocence. Clegg advocating a return for David Laws to ministerial duties - its just an unrelenting procession of dodgyness in the wacky world of Westminster.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16866127

[One Day Soon]

Nice to see the sanctimonius "We're different from the other parties" twats getting their come uppance. Especially when it is so well merited.

[Hibs Class]

Nice to see the sanctimonius "We're different from the other parties" twats getting their come uppance. Especially when it is so well merited.


:agree: I've dealt with FibDems at councillor, MSP and MP level - other than a couple of exceptions they are a dishonourable, dishonest, self-serving bunch. The more often they get called to account the better, so that people can see them and their tawdry party for what it is.

[steakbake]

Resigned but still claiming innocence. Clegg advocating a return for David Laws to ministerial duties - its just an unrelenting procession of dodgyness in the wacky world of Westminster.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16866127

It's nearly as much a merry-go-round as the Scottish football managerial one! Wonder if there's a vacancy Yogi will be getting linked with?

[ginger_rice]

It's nearly as much a merry-go-round as the Scottish football managerial one! Wonder if there's a vacancy Yogi will be getting linked with?

Minister for sport or perhaps something in the diplomatic service?

[Leicester Fan]

Nice to see the sanctimonius "We're different from the other parties" twats getting their come uppance. Especially when it is so well merited.

I agree, out of all of the liberals he the smuggest tw@t of the lot.

Having said that, I know a couple of people who have done the same (no not me), a prison sentence seems a bit harsh.

[RyeSloan]

I agree, out of all of the liberals he the smuggest tw@t of the lot.

Having said that, I know a couple of people who have done the same (no not me), a prison sentence seems a bit harsh.


Agreed...seems a weird one though as surely the main witnesses are the two people involved. Can it really be the case that she can be the primary witness for the prosecution and end up being put down by her own evidence? Pretty weird if so....about as weird as sending soemone to prison for avoiding a speeding ticket no matter who they are.

[Beefster]

Agreed...seems a weird one though as surely the main witnesses are the two people involved. Can it really be the case that she can be the primary witness for the prosecution and end up being put down by her own evidence? Pretty weird if so....about as weird as sending soemone to prison for avoiding a speeding ticket no matter who they are.

If you want a decent justice system, you can't let people off lightly after lying to avoid the consequences of breaking the law. It's very little to do with the original offence.

[ancienthibby]

:agree: I've dealt with FibDems at councillor, MSP and MP level - other than a couple of exceptions they are a dishonourable, dishonest, self-serving bunch. The more often they get called to account the better, so that people can see them and their tawdry party for what it is.

Been that way since Davie Steel became their leader - ever more more so with every successor leader, and more especially in Scotland - see Nicol Stephen, Tavish Scott and the hapless Willie Rennie!

[Betty Boop]

Innocent till proved guilty ! :na na:

[Hibs Class]

If you want a decent justice system, you can't let people off lightly after lying to avoid the consequences of breaking the law. It's very little to do with the original offence.

I agree, and although it may not have been a factor in deciding to prosecute Huhne I also think we are entitled to demand a higher standard of conduct by MPs and to strictly hold them to account where they fall short.

[heretoday]

Ming Campbell must be turning in his grave. What do you mean he's still alive?

[WindyMiller]

Innocent till proved guilty ! :na na:

Well one or both are guilty!

[CropleyWasGod]

Well one or both are guilty!

Are they?

This is about perverting the course of justice, it's not about the speeding fine.

[lapsedhibee]

Well one or both are guilty!


Are they?

This is about perverting the course of justice, it's not about the speeding fine.

Yes, one or both are guilty (of perverting the course of justice).

Either

(a) They're both guilty of swapping the fine

Or

(b) She's guilty of making the whole thing up

[CropleyWasGod]

Yes, one or both are guilty (of perverting the course of justice).

Either

(a) They're both guilty of swapping the fine

Or

(b) She's guilty of making the whole thing up

... but the guilt still has to be proved, which was BB's point.

For all we know, the police have made it up :wink:

[lapsedhibee]

... but the guilt still has to be proved, which was BB's point.

For all we know, the police have made it up :wink:

I read BB as suggesting that CH was innocent until proved guilty, rather than that the pair of them might both be innocent. But you're right, it could be a whole poor, sweet Joey Barton thing, where complete innocents are unfairly and relentlessly pursued by the media, authorities, etc, for their own ends.

[Dashing Bob S]

I honestly thought by the title of this thread that this was about the guy who bought Rangers.

[Beefster]

Yes, one or both are guilty (of perverting the course of justice).

Either

(a) They're both guilty of swapping the fine

Or

(b) She's guilty of making the whole thing up

The ex-missus allegedly only told a newspaper. I wouldn't have thought that, if she's made the story up, she's committed any crime unless she has repeated it to police. The police complaint came from a Labour MP so it's not like she went to police claiming a crime had taken place.

Either way, I suspect that Ms Pryce will plead guilty and Huhne will be utterly ****ed considering that he's been pleading his innocence for 18 months now.

[Eyrie]

Big problem for the coalition if he is found guilty. That would mean a by-election in a Con/LibDem marginal, which would get nasty and cause further friction between the two parties.

[Betty Boop]

... but the guilt still has to be proved, which was BB's point.

For all we know, the police have made it up :wink:

I just think it would be very hard to prove his guilt in court. If she has admitted to being the driver of the vehicle in 2003, and accepted points on her licence and a fine, it seems strange to me that she is refuting this years later. Of course we don't know what evidence the crown will present, as the police have taken possession of emails and other correspondence from the Sunday Times. Surely she must have known the consequences to herself, of making these allegations ?

[Hibs Class]

I just think it would be very hard to prove his guilt in court. If she has admitted to being the driver of the vehicle in 2003, and accepted points on her licence and a fine, it seems strange to me that she is refuting this years later. Of course we don't know what evidence the crown will present, as the police have taken possession of emails and other correspondence from the Sunday Times. Surely she must have known the consequences to herself, of making these allegations ?


I'm sure she will have been aware she was incriminating herself when she made the allegations, and I'm also fairly certain she has acted more out of revenge against her now ex-husband than any sense of contrition. But if all I've read about this in the media since it was first reported is true then there is a pretty compelling case against Huhne and it deserves at least to go to trial.

[--------]

:agree: I've dealt with FibDems at councillor, MSP and MP level - other than a couple of exceptions they are a dishonourable, dishonest, self-serving bunch. The more often they get called to account the better, so that people can see them and their tawdry party for what it is.


Been that way since Davie Steel became their leader - ever more more so with every successor leader, and more especially in Scotland - see Nicol Stephen, Tavish Scott and the hapless Willie Rennie!


:agree: There are a few exceptions, agreed, but we were up in Caithness and Sutherland when Robert McLennan was MP. Enough said. Comparisons between Wee Boab and various members of the lower orders of insects come to mind, but I don't want to use them. Unfair to the insects - they can't help themselves. He could.

[GlesgaeHibby]

Big problem for the coalition if he is found guilty. That would mean a by-election in a Con/LibDem marginal, which would get nasty and cause further friction between the two parties.

Good

[Beefster]

Who'd have thought that the smug bawbag was lying all along? Least surprising news of the decade.

His ex must have a decent shout with the marital coercion defence too?

[Wilson]

Ming Campbell must be turning in his grave. What do you mean he's still alive?

He is nosferatu.

[Hibrandenburg]

Some jail time coming his way.

[cabbageandribs1875]

quick Q, if he resigns(before the inevitable sacking) what kind of effect, if any, would it have on his future pension ?

[Hibs Class]

quick Q, if he resigns(before the inevitable sacking) what kind of effect, if any, would it have on his future pension ?

He already took a £17k pay-off when he stepped down from cabinet.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17202387

When he was charged a year or so ago he had the chance to retain some integrity by accepting his guilt from the outset. Instead he chose to do the exact opposite, and he will begin his prison sentence with not a shred of integrity or dignity left. Despite all that I wouldn't be surprised if he feels that he is the victim in this.

[cabbageandribs1875]

He already took a £17k pay-off when he stepped down from cabinet.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17202387

When he was charged a year or so ago he had the chance to retain some integrity by accepting his guilt from the outset. Instead he chose to do the exact opposite, and he will begin his prison sentence with not a shred of integrity or dignity left. Despite all that I wouldn't be surprised if he feels that he is the victim in this.



ta for that, some newspaper will probably offer him a substantial amount for his prison 'memoirs'

[steakbake]

I don't get why he didn't just take the 3 points... now look at the situation he's in?

[Hibs Class]

ta for that, some newspaper will probably offer him a substantial amount for his prison 'memoirs'

Maybe not - after the expenses scandal and now this, there are so many MPs-turned-jailbird that it's a buyer's market

[cabbageandribs1875]

Maybe not - after the expenses scandal and now this, there are so many MPs-turned-jailbird that it's a buyer's market


good point :hmmm:

[lord bunberry]

I don't get why he didn't just take the 3 points... now look at the situation he's in?

Because like most politicians he thinks he is above the law. I've never liked him but I tend to dislike most liberal politicians

[Sir David Gray]

I can't believe that he'll now potentially be doing a prison sentence after such a trivial thing like speeding.

"Politician caught speeding by police and given 3 points on his licence..."

"In other news, the world is round."

Now he'll quite probably be spending some time inside.

Was it really worth it?

[ronaldo7]

He's a dirty lying ****bag. Trying to put all that pressure on his wife for over a year. Dirty bawbag

[blackpoolhibs]

Huhne out Butcher in.

[--------]

ta for that, some newspaper will probably offer him a substantial amount for his prison 'memoirs'



And how boring they'll be. It's not as if he'll be put in among the bad boys .... :rolleyes:

[easty]

They discussed this on Jeremy Vine today. It had a good clip of Huhne speaking, years ago, about how only 1 in a hundred criminals ends up going to jail, and how we absolutley had to change that or criminals would never learn. :greengrin

[steakbake]

And how boring they'll be. It's not as if he'll be put in among the bad boys .... :rolleyes:

50 Shades of Huhne?

[hibsbollah]

Im clearly the only one, but i actually feel sorry for him. Morally the crime of fiddling speeding points is not exactly up there with paedophilia or mass murder. I personally gave serious thought to getting MY wife to take a 3 pointer for me a while back, there i said it, im evil. (disclaimer-i decided not to in the end, in case the procurator fiscal is reading this.) I accept his consistent lying about it wasnt good though.

But has anyone read the records of the texts between him and his son? Jeez that makes horrible reading. 'Happy Christmas i love you' says dad. '**** off i hate you' says the son. And theres more in the same vein. A fanny he may be, but his life must be barely worth living at the moment.

[lucky]

What he has done is wrong but is society really well served by jailing him? As a nation we jail to many people. This is a clever individual who would be better served doing community work. Prison should be the last resort unless they are a threat to society. What's worse him trying to dodge 3 points on his licence or the pedo at the PBS sending photos of himself to a child?

[Beefster]

What he has done is wrong but is society really well served by jailing him? As a nation we jail to many people. This is a clever individual who would be better served doing community work. Prison should be the last resort unless they are a threat to society. What's worse him trying to dodge 3 points on his licence or the pedo at the PBS sending photos of himself to a child?

I get your point but you can't have folk perverting the course of justice, committing perjury etc without stiff penalties or the legal system is effectively useless.

[--------]

Im clearly the only one, but i actually feel sorry for him. Morally the crime of fiddling speeding points is not exactly up there with paedophilia or mass murder. I personally gave serious thought to getting MY wife to take a 3 pointer for me a while back, there i said it, im evil. (disclaimer-i decided not to in the end, in case the procurator fiscal is reading this.) I accept his consistent lying about it wasnt good though.

But has anyone read the records of the texts between him and his son? Jeez that makes horrible reading. 'Happy Christmas i love you' says dad. '**** off i hate you' says the son. And theres more in the same vein. A fanny he may be, but his life must be barely worth living at the moment.


He took 30 minutes to ditch his wife and children to protect his political career, bollah.

If I did that to my son I'd fully expect him never to speak to me again.

[lord bunberry]

What he has done is wrong but is society really well served by jailing him? As a nation we jail to many people. This is a clever individual who would be better served doing community work. Prison should be the last resort unless they are a threat to society. What's worse him trying to dodge 3 points on his licence or the pedo at the PBS sending photos of himself to a child?

I agree we do send far to many people to prison. We need to find a proper alternative to sending people to prison that is not seen as an easy way out. Imho people like Chris huhne and tommy sheridan should not be wasting tax payers money by being sent to prison. They should be punished in a way that gives something meaningful back to society

[hibsbollah]

I agree we do send far to many people to prison. We need to find a proper alternative to sending people to prison that is not seen as an easy way out. Imho people like Chris huhne and tommy sheridan should not be wasting tax payers money by being sent to prison. They should be punished in a way that gives something meaningful back to society

I agree. Two weeks in the stocks and a wee session on the cat o nine tails would be appropriate for Sherdian.

[Jonnyboy]

I agree we do send far to many people to prison. We need to find a proper alternative to sending people to prison that is not seen as an easy way out. Imho people like Chris huhne and tommy sheridan should not be wasting tax payers money by being sent to prison. They should be punished in a way that gives something meaningful back to society

Yip :agree:

Huhne should be strapped to the steering wheel in his car and then the car should be pushed down a very steep hill and Sheridan should be banned from using sunbeds for two years :agree:

Personalised punishments is the way forward

[Hibs Class]

What he has done is wrong but is society really well served by jailing him? As a nation we jail to many people. This is a clever individual who would be better served doing community work. Prison should be the last resort unless they are a threat to society. What's worse him trying to dodge 3 points on his licence or the pedo at the PBS sending photos of himself to a child?

Prison has several objectives: protection of the public is just one, there are also rehabilitation, punishment and deterrence. For such a high profile case involving one of the country's lawmakers, aggravated by his ongoing use of the media in his attempts to get away with it, prison is absolutely the right sentence.

[Hibrandenburg]

What he has done is wrong but is society really well served by jailing him? As a nation we jail to many people. This is a clever individual who would be better served doing community work. Prison should be the last resort unless they are a threat to society. What's worse him trying to dodge 3 points on his licence or the pedo at the PBS sending photos of himself to a child?

Yepp! Let's just find another way to let politicians know that they are above and beyond the laws of this country.

[steakbake]

What he has done is wrong but is society really well served by jailing him? As a nation we jail to many people. This is a clever individual who would be better served doing community work. Prison should be the last resort unless they are a threat to society. What's worse him trying to dodge 3 points on his licence or the pedo at the PBS sending photos of himself to a child?

Good call. Prison should be a last resort but there are all sorts of people who despite being guilty of the crimes that see them there, are serving absolutely no purpose in being there. In fact, many are coming out more damaged and potentially more capable of or with stronger leanings towards criminality than when they went in. They are also tarnished with the ex-con label meaning that those who potentially could have something to offer society will have a massive barrier to overcome in order to fulfill that potential. Which is unfortunate if prison policy over the last few decades has been to work towards rehabilitation and in the past decade or so, to pay back society for their crimes.

Huhne is someone who has the fortune of a good education, a proven ability to hold down a job (despite what we might think of that particular occupation) and to contribute to the society around him. Punishment for people like him are to put his skills to work without the incentive of personal enrichment. Looking at it from a purely financial point of view, would it not be better if some way for him to pay back to society could be found rather than locking him up and spending tax payer's money on him being in prison with the mad, the bad, the dangerous and the damaged?

The world is not binary black and white. Throwing people in prison might satisfy the hoi polloi's lust for revenge and punishment but it's not the mark of a civilised and enlightened society.

[lord bunberry]

Yepp! Let's just find another way to let politicians know that they are above and beyond the laws of this country.

They shouldn't be above the law. I just think we need a better way of dealing with certain crimes and I don't think community service is the answer. Maybe in this case prison is the best way of punishing him but I feel that to many people who should be in prison aren't because prisons are full of people who would be better repaying their debt to society in another way

[Hibrandenburg]

They shouldn't be above the law. I just think we need a better way of dealing with certain crimes and I don't think community service is the answer. Maybe in this case prison is the best way of punishing him but I feel that to many people who should be in prison aren't because prisons are full of people who would be better repaying their debt to society in another way

I agree with most of that but the punishment has to be befitting of the crime and not the criminal. It cannot be right if someone who is deemed to have more benefit to society is given an easy ride because of who he/she is.

[Hibbyradge]

A Liberal MP telling lies?

Whatever next?

[lord bunberry]

I agree with most of that but the punishment has to be befitting of the crime and not the criminal. It cannot be right if someone who is deemed to have more benefit to society is given an easy ride because of who he/she is.

I agree the punishment has to fit the crime and not the criminal. The punishment if not prison must be a proper deterrent. The current system of community service or curfews are seen as an easy option.

[easty]

They shouldn't be above the law. I just think we need a better way of dealing with certain crimes and I don't think community service is the answer. Maybe in this case prison is the best way of punishing him but I feel that to many people who should be in prison aren't because prisons are full of people who would be better repaying their debt to society in another way

I'm all for having people repay society, but they still have to be punished. Jail is that punishment. Have him repay society from inside prison. I also think that those who can pay, should pay a contribution towards their incarceration costs.

[lord bunberry]

I'm all for having people repay society, but they still have to be punished. Jail is that punishment. Have him repay society from inside prison. I also think that those who can pay, should pay a contribution towards their incarceration costs.

The problem is that the prisons are all full and that leads to people being given bail and committing more crime. Certain crimes shouldn't carry prison sentence the most obvious one being non payment of fines. I agree that as things stand the only viable deterrent is prison but that's what needs to change I also agree that those who can afford it should be made to pay for their incarceration costs

[steakbake]

I wonder who benefits financially from the existence of privately built prisons, where the dramatic overspill from the national prisons system are accommodated? The UK has the highest proportion in prison than anywhere else in Western Europe.

Seeing the UK as we do, would it surprise anyone if there was a conflict of interest involving lawmakers and the establishment somewhere along the line?

[Steve-O]

I wonder who benefits financially from the existence of privately built prisons, where the dramatic overspill from the national prisons system are accommodated? The UK has the highest proportion in prison than anywhere else in Western Europe.

Seeing the UK as we do, would it surprise anyone if there was a conflict of interest involving lawmakers and the establishment somewhere along the line?

The companies that run them.

[steakbake]

The companies that run them.

Who are their shareholders?

[steakbake]

Death by firing squad for Huhne - live on Channel 5 later on.

Two weeks team building for offenders in Tenerife for Pryce.

Actually - 8 months each.

When you go seeking revenge, dig two graves first.

[hibsbollah]

8 months...quite harsh imo. A reminder that the powerful dont always escape punishment.

[Hibs Class]

8 months...quite harsh imo. A reminder that the powerful dont always escape punishment.

Less than I was expecting, not so much for the original crime but for the continual lies after they were exposed. Huhne's fortunate that he can earn a reduction in sentence for his belated guuily plea whilst not incurring an increase for being a smug liar. Reputation in tatters though, and that will last a lifetime.

[lapsedhibee]

Less than I was expecting, not so much for the original crime but for the continual lies after they were exposed. Huhne's fortunate that he can earn a reduction in sentence for his belated guuily plea whilst not incurring an increase for being a smug liar. Reputation in tatters though, and that will last a lifetime.

It'll all be forgotten if he scores in a cup final.

[Hibrandenburg]

It'll all be forgotten if he scores in a cup final.

Just spat out my night cap and it was a nice wee Highland Park. :o)

[Steve-O]

Who are their shareholders?

I've no idea?

To elaborate - not sure how it works in UK, but here in NZ there is one 'private' prison (with another on the way) and the way it works is effectively the government contracts the prison out for that company to run, rather than run it (and incur all the costs) themselves. I believe the more prisoners in there, the more money for the company, as the government pays them a sum per prisoner, which is less than it'd cost for the state to look after said prisoner. If there are any escapes, the government can fine the private company, and if it went completely to hell, the government can take the prison back.

This company runs the one in NZ - http://www.serco.com/

[Scouse Hibee]

Huhne has been released today as Pryce has agreed to do his eight months for him :greengrin

[Hibs Class]

Huhne has been released today as Pryce has agreed to do his eight months for him :greengrin

Nice try but you're mistaken. Apparently it's now Trimingham's role to go down for him.

[Killiehibbie]

I've no idea?

To elaborate - not sure how it works in UK, but here in NZ there is one 'private' prison (with another on the way) and the way it works is effectively the government contracts the prison out for that company to run, rather than run it (and incur all the costs) themselves. I believe the more prisoners in there, the more money for the company, as the government pays them a sum per prisoner, which is less than it'd cost for the state to look after said prisoner. If there are any escapes, the government can fine the private company, and if it went completely to hell, the government can take the prison back.

This company runs the one in NZ - http://www.serco.com/I think Serco runs Bowhouse Prison near Kilmarnock.