One of the key figures in the Lord Archer libel trial in 1987 died yesterday after her car was involved in a collision with a vehicle driven by an alleged armed robber.
Ms Monica Coghlan (50), a former prostitute, was driving her blue Ford Fiesta car in Scammonden, near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, on Thursday when her vehicle was struck by a Jaguar car being driven by a man who had allegedly carried out an armed raid nearby.
She was taken to Leeds General Infirmary but died early yesterday. West Yorkshire Police said a 32-year-old man was being treated for injuries at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and would be questioned later.
Lord Archer is due to face charges of perverting the course of justice and perjury at the Old Bailey in London next month in relation to the 1987 libel trial. At the time, the former Conservative Party chairman won £1.2 million damages and costs from the Daily Star newspaper which accused him of sleeping with Ms Coghlan.