Texts between Huhne and his youngest son were read out in court and illustrate the pair's fractured relationship

This article is more than 7 years old

This article is more than 7 years old

Texts between Chris Huhne and his youngest son, Peter, then 18, were read out to the judge during pre-trial hearings that can only now be reported.

They illustrated the terrible toll the court case and the marriage split had on Huhne's relationship with the teenager.

One exchange was highlighted by the prosecution as being relevant to the crown's case. It took place on 21 May 2011 and read:

PH: "We all know that you were driving and you put pressure on Mum. Accept it or face the consequences. You've told me that was the case. Or will this be another lie?"

CH: "I have no intention of sending Mum to Holloway Prison for three months, Dad."

PH: "Are you going to accept your responsibility or do I have to contact the police and tell them what you told me?"

CH: "Discuss it with Mum."

PH: "It's not about her its about your accepting your responsibility to me."

CH: "Happy to talk about it with you. Dad."

Huhne's lawyer, John Kelsey-Fry QC, said those texts had to be viewed in the context of the highly emotional relationship between the two, with Huhne's son refusing to see or speak to his father.

Their fractured relationship was demonstrated in a series of exchanges put before the judge, extracts of which were read aloud by Huhne's lawyer.

From 21 June 2011

PH: "Just tried you, ring back within five."

PH: "Then pick up, pick up your fucking phone."

PH: "I don't want to speak to you, you disgust me."

CH: "Hope you are okay I'm visiting Gran on Saturday, would you like to come?"

PH: "No I will see her without you."

From 28 June 2011

CH: "Peter, just to say, I'm thinking of you and I love you very much. It would be great to talk to you, Dad."

PH: "Fuck off."

Then Huhne tried to write to his son.

22 July 2011

PH: "So nice to see our entire relationship reduced to lies and pleasantries in that letter. Do you take me for an idiot? The fact you said your parents were happier as a result of their divorce was disgusting…

…when you were having affairs makes me sick.

You are the most ghastly man I have ever known. Does it give you pleasure that you have lost most of your friends?"

30 July 2011

CH: "I understand that I have really offended you but I hope that the passage of time will provide some perspective … I love you and I will be there to support you if you ever need it."

PH: "You are right – the perspective involves me getting angrier with every day that goes by. You just don't get it."

25 December 2011

CH: "Happy Christmas. Love you, Dad."

PH: "Well I hate you, so fuck off."

28 December 2011

CH: "Tiger, Have you had any news from St Peter's yet? Love Dad."

[No answer]

CH: "Congratulations, I'm really proud of you, Dad."

[No answer]

CH: "Well I'm proud and I love you, Dad."

PH: "Leave me alone, you have no place in my life and no right to be proud. It's irritating that you don't seem to take the point. You are such an autistic piece of shit. Don't contact me again you make me feel sick."

16 January 2012

CH: "I hope you are okay, just to let you know I'm thinking of you lots and love you."

PH: "You couldn't think about anyone but yourself. You are a pathetic loser and a joke. Have fun with your [understood to be an unflattering reference to Carina Trimingham, Huhne's partner]."

21 May 2012

CH: "I do hope your exams are going okay, despite everything over the last few weeks. Thinking of you, love you, Dad. PS It's grandad's birthday today."

PH: "Don't text me you fat piece of shit."