Former energy secretary Chris Huhne made his first appearance in court over a charge of perverting the course of justice after he allegedly dodged a speeding penalty.

Prosecutors claim the wealthy Liberal Democrat politician persuaded his ex-wife Vicky Pryce to take points that should have been placed on his driving licence in 2003.

Almost a decade later, the pair barely exchanged a glance as they stood in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court, in central London, where they face the same charge.

Huhne and Pryce spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses.

The court heard the case would be adjourned to March 2 at Southwark Crown Court.

Both defendants were granted unconditional bail.

Huhne, dressed in a dark suit and patterned tie, listened intently as the charge against him was read to the court.

His former wife, an eminent economist, sat several seats away from her ex-husband in a cropped beige jacket and black high-heeled shoes. The pair faced away from each other as the charges were read out during the hearing, which lasted less than 10 minutes.