A MAN accused of bigamy has appeared before Swindon magistrates.

Russell Rivett, of Nythe, is charged with marrying another woman within the lifetime of his wife and knowingly making a false statement.

He is also alleged to have produced fake divorce papers so that he could marry his current wife.

Frank Murphy, prosecuting told the court that Rivett's current wife became suspicious when a court official served divorce papers to their address last year.

"When he would not tell her what was happening she contacted the police." Rivett pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

Magistrates decided their powers were not strong enough to deal with the case and declined jurisdiction.

He is due to appear before the court again on April 7.