Huhne And Pryce: MP Wants Longer Sentences

A Tory MP has asked the Attorney General to refer the jail terms handed to Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce, claiming they are not long enough.

David Burrowes, MP for Enfield Southgate, wants the sentences to be referred to the Court of Appeal.

The move comes two days after the former Cabinet minister and his ex-wife, a top economist, were sent to jail.

They were each sentenced to eight months for lying to police about a speeding offence committed in 2003.

Huhne, 58, passed on the penalty points to his then wife to avoid prosecution because he feared losing his licence would affect his political career.

Attorney General Dominic Grieve has until April 8, 28 days after the original sentence, to refer the case to the Court of Appeal.

Judges there have the power to either increase the sentences or leave them the same.

A spokesman for Mr Grieve said: "The Attorney General's Office has received a request to review the sentences of Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce.

"One of the law officers will consider whether they should be referred to the Court of Appeal as possibly unduly lenient.

"A decision whether or not to refer to the Court of Appeal will be taken within 28 days of the original sentences."

Huhne is currently in Wandsworth Prison in south west London and Pryce is in HMP Holloway in the north of the capital.

They are likely to be moved to more relaxed jails in the coming days because they are deemed at little risk of re-offending.