British woman in divorce battle 'prevented from leaving California with baby'

A British woman is unable to return with her baby son after her multimillionaire US husband took out court orders preventing her leaving California, an MP has said.

Sian Mitchell's marriage to Angus Mitchell "fell apart" shortly after their son was born earlier this year, according to Conservative Gavin Williamson - a parliamentary aide to Prime Minister David Cameron.

But Mrs Mitchell, from Staffordshire, is unable to take the couple's son out of the US state of California until divorce proceedings have been resolved due to court orders secured by Mr Mitchell, the MP said.

This is making it "as difficult as possible" for Mrs Mitchell to bring up her son "in the way she wishes" while her family has yet to meet him, Mr Williamson added.

The MP for South Staffordshire has presented a petition to Parliament which calls on the UK Government to press their US counterparts and the State of California to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Campaigners also want the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to offer as much support and assistance as possible to ensure Mrs Mitchell can return to the UK with her son.

Presenting the petition, Mr Williamson told the House of Commons: "My constituent Sian Mitchell moved to the United States last year, following her engagement and marriage to an American citizen.

"Sadly, shortly after the birth of her son earlier this year, her marriage fell apart.

"Her multimillionaire husband, Angus Mitchell, has taken out court orders preventing Sian from taking her child out of the State of California until proceedings have been resolved, making it as difficult as possible for her to bring up her son in the way she wishes.

"Sian is away from her family and relies on their emotional support during this extremely difficult time.

"She is desperate to return home to the United Kingdom with her child to allow her family to have the chance to meet this little boy for the first time."

Mr Williamson said the petition was signed by 154 of his constituents.

It notes: "The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Government to make representations to the US Government and the State of California to press the issue and get a resolution to the problem at the earliest possible stage so that Mrs Mitchell can return to the United Kingdom with her son as soon as possible."