FATHER-OF-THREE John Morgan Smith's past came to light when his wife discovered he was already married to another woman, a court heard.

Morgan Smith, 30, of Redruth Close, Park North, Swindon, admitted a charge of bigamy when he appeared before magistrates.

But he claimed his second wife knew he was already wed when she married him and a special hearing will have to be held with him and his two Swindon wives.

The court heard Morgan Smith was married on April 29, 1997, to an 18-year-old bride.

Simon Brenchley, prosecuting, said: "The lady said the marriage was doomed from the first day and they parted in August 1997.

"She had seen him a couple of times by chance. In 2000, she saw him in McDonald's in Great Western Way and they discussed the need to get a divorce.

"She also suggested he might wish to divorce her as he would be eligible to claim legal aid. She then went to the Swindon Family Board and gave him some forms."

Mr Brenchley said that in March 1998, Morgan Smith met another woman and they were married in August 1998.

He said: "At that time she under-stood the defendant had been married before. But she said he had told her he was divorced."

Mr Brenchley said when the woman later found divorce papers on the dining room table relating to Morgan Smith's first wife, she realised he must still be married.

"The woman said he admitted it and he didn't seem that bothered. She said they formally separated a few days later and she would never have accepted to marry him had she known."

Mr Brenchley said that Morgan Smith accepted he was married in 1997. It only lasted a few months and his wife had left him for another man.

He told police that, not knowing where his wife was, he met the second woman and married her.

"He suggested his new wife was aware he had not been divorced. This is not accepted," said Mr Brenchley.

Con Fernandes, defending, said: " If you believe the injured party didn't know he was married that is clearly a serious breach of trust. If you believe my client, who says she knew full well, you may feel she has conspired to the situation and it makes it much less serious."

The case was adjourned for a special hearing on November 1. Morgan Smith was granted unconditional bail.