MP's wife denies taking lover's kitten

The wife of a Liberal Democrat MP has denied burgling the home of her husband's lover and stealing a kitten. Christine Hemming, who is married to Birmingham Yardley MP John Hemming, pleaded not guilty to burglary at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday.

Mrs Hemming, of Moseley, Birmingham, is alleged to have burgled the home of Emily Cox, a researcher with whom her husband fathered a child in 2005. The 52-year-old defendant told the court: "Apologies to the public purse, but I am not guilty."

It is alleged that Mrs Hemming burgled Ms Cox's home in Moseley, on 29 September last year and stole a tabby kitten worth £20. She was bailed to appear at Birmingham Crown Court for trial on 21 June.