Lesbian accused over 'marriage'

A 29-year-old woman accused of entering into a civil partnership ceremony with her lesbian partner while still married to a man has appeared in court.

Suzanne Mitchell, of Wingfield Gardens, Shrewsbury, was committed for Crown Court trial by magistrates in the town.

She is accused of making a false statement by entering into a union with Catherine Beddowes before her marriage to Charles Mitchell had been annulled.

She also faces another charge under the 2004 Civil Partnership Act.

The mother-of-three is accused of falsely declaring that she was single when registering the civil partnership.

Ms Mitchell, whose civil ceremony was in February 2006, was granted unconditional bail to appear at Shrewsbury Crown Court for a plea hearing on 9 July.