His barrister Anthony Orchard QC asked why Mr Philpott had talked of "sticking to the story", during secretly-recorded conversations with his wife.

BBC: Derby fire deaths: Mairead Philpott 'abused by her father'

Cross-examining at Southwark Crown Court, Andrew Edis QC said Ms Pryce, an economist, had taken the speeding story to the Mail on Sunday and Sunday Times because she wanted to destroy her husband in an act of revenge.

BBC: Vicky Pryce felt 'practically suicidal' when Huhne left

This story was amended on 25 March, 2013 to clarify that in evidence it was heard that Ian Winter QC gave advice to his client based on the original trial judge's comments.

BBC: Sally and Danny Nightingale