A man has admitted bigamy following a wedding ceremony in Las Vegas. Marc Dougherty pleaded guilty to the charge on the day he was scheduled to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
Details of the Case
Dougherty, 52, of Acorn Street in Newton-le-Willows, appeared in the dock wearing a black jumper and grey trousers, with short grey hair. His counsel, Bernice Campbell, requested that he be rearraigned on Monday afternoon, leading to the guilty plea for the single offence of bigamy.
The charge related to his marriage to a woman named Pamela Lewis in the United States in 2024. However, prosecutors alleged that Dougherty was still legally married at the time, following an earlier wedding that took place in Hull in 2006.
Court Proceedings
Judge Louise Brandon ordered the completion of a pre-sentence report and medical reports before sentencing. Dougherty was released on bail under conditions to live and sleep at his home address until the sentencing date, which is set for July 3 at the same court.
During the hearing, Lucy Moran, prosecuting, stated that Dougherty admitted the count on a basis that would not be contested by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Background
According to charge sheets, on July 4, 2024, Dougherty "during the life of his wife, went through a form of marriage with Pamela Lewis" in Las Vegas. The Echo previously reported that the wedding to Ms Lewis occurred on July 4, 2024, while he was still married from the 2006 ceremony in Hull.
Dougherty will now await sentencing, and the court will consider all reports before determining the appropriate penalty for the offence.
