Judge Constance Briscoe charged over Huhne case

ONE of the country’s most prominent woman judges has been charged with perverting the course of justice in connection with the case of former minister Chris Huhne and his estranged wife Vicky Pryce.

Constance Briscoe has been charged with perverting the course of justice. Picture: Getty

Constance Briscoe is accused of two counts of the offence, relating to statements that were made to Essex Police, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The first count alleges that, between May 2011 and last October, she provided police with two statements that were inaccurate.

The second alleges that on October 6 she produced a copy of her witness statement that had been altered and maintained that it was the correct version.

Court appearance

Briscoe is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 24, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

CPS senior lawyer Deborah Walsh said: “We have today authorised the Kent and Essex Police serious crime directorate to charge Constance Briscoe with two counts of intending to pervert the course of public justice.

“The first allegation is that, between May 16 2011 and October 6 2012, Constance Briscoe provided Essex Police with two statements which were inaccurate.

“The second allegation, dated October 6 2012, is that Constance Briscoe produced a copy of a witness statement that had been altered and that she maintained was the correct version.

“This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

“We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that these charges are in the public interest.

“Constance Briscoe will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 24 2013.”