Wolverhampton University to consider stripping Briscoe of degree

The barrister and part time judge was given a 16-month sentence for lying to police over the speed points scandal that resulted in former minister and MP Chris Huhne going to prison along with his ex-wife Vicky Pryce.

Details of the 56-year-old criminal lawyer, one of the first black women judges, receiving her Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws in 2011 have been removed from the university's website pending a review.

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Huhne, who was a Liberal Democrat and had previously challenged Nick Clegg for the leadership, went to prison after it emerged that his wife had taken his speeding point for him in 2003 so he could avoid a driving ban. Huhne blames Briscoe, a friend of his wife, for his downfall. The details emerged after Huhne left economist Miss Pryce for another woman.

Huhne and Price were both given eight month prison sentences for perverting the course of justice. Pryce wrote a book about the economic and human cost of sending women to prison.

Briscoe was jailed last week for lying to police investigating the allegations. It has since emerged that she is already writing a prison memoir.

University of Wolverhampton spokesman James Allen said: "We are reviewing whether her actions contravene the guidelines for receiving an honorary award from the University and if so, then ultimately it is a decision for the Board of Governors.

"We take the award of such honours very seriously and obviously need to look into all the issues."

Briscoe got the degree for her 'outstanding contribution to the law profession and as an inspirational role model'.

When she was awarded the degree, Briscoe said: "I am deeply honoured to have received this award. This is in fact the first time that I have attended a graduation ceremony. I would very much like to play an active part in whatever capacity I can to promote the School of Law, Social Sciences and Communications and I am particularly keen to meet and actively engage with the law department."

Briscoe's memoir, Ugly, sold more than 400,000 copies and alleged she had been emotionally and physically abused by her mother while growing up in London.

Her mother, Carmen Briscoe-Mitchell has said the book is untrue and called her daughter a 'liar' and unsuccessfully sued for libel.

But police are now investigating allegations about documents Briscoe used when defending the libel action.

She faces a judicial investigation that could see her struck off from the Bar.