Detectives investigating claims Chris Huhne asked his ex-wife to accept driving penalty points on his behalf have won a court order to obtain new evidence.

Essex Police convinced a judge at Chelmsford Crown Court to order The Sunday Times to hand over a tape recording of a conversation between the Lib Dem energy secretary and Vicky Pryce.

In the recording, Mr Huhne reportedly urges Miss Pryce not to speak to journalists about an incident in 2003, when he was allegedly caught speeding in Chelmsford.

The newspaper said it may appeal the order.