A Mail on Sunday journalist approached a barrister and part-time judge investigating whether disgraced former Cabinet minister Chris Huhne had “liaisons with men”, a court has heard.

Constance Briscoe said she had spoken to journalist David Dillon about several potential stories, including claims that economist Vicky Pryce broke off her engagement to Huhne after he apparently confessed he had had liaisons or relationships with other men, Southwark Crown Court heard.

The lawyer, who is charged with trying to pervert the course of justice in connection with the investigation into Huhne's speeding points scandal, also told police officers during an interview after she was arrested that Dillon had asked her about a story he was pursuing over claims that Huhne had infected Pryce with pubic lice.