A 29-year-old Shrewsbury mother allegedly “wed” her girlfriend while still married to her husband, a court heard today.

Suzanne Mitchell, of Wingfield Gardens, Ditherington, is accused of holding a civil partnership ceremony with Caroline Beddows last year while her marriage to Charles Mitchell had not been annulled.

The case is one of the first of its kind to come before a British court.

The couple held a formal civil ceremony on February 1 last year.

Mitchell denies making a false statement by declaring she had not been married before when she held the civil partnership ceremony with Ms Beddows in Shrewsbury in February last year.

Mitchell, who has three children with her husband, appeared at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court today for a five minute hearing.

The case was described as “highly unusual” in court today. Mrs Kate Price, prosecuting, said the charge should be considered one of bigamy.

Mitchell spoke only to confirm her name, address, date of birth and enter a not guilty plea in court today. The case was adjourned until May 23 when Mitchell, who appeared on summons, will return to Shrewsbury Magistrates Court.

It will then be committed to Shrewsbury Crown Court for Mitchell to stand trial later this year.

Civil partnerships were legalised in England in December 2005. The legislation does not use the term “gay marriage” but allows gay couples to sign an official document in front of the registrar and two witnesses.