20 June 2012 Last updated at 09:38 ET

Circus couple face trial on Anne the elephant cruelty charges

A couple charged with cruelty to a circus elephant face trial in November.

Bobby and Moira Roberts from Oundle, Northamptonshire, were the registered keepers of Anne when she was apparently filmed being beaten.

They are charged with causing unnecessary suffering, failing to provide for Anne and failing to prevent the alleged beating.

The Roberts were due to stand trial this week but the case was adjourned after legal submissions.

The elephant was bought to the UK from Sri Lanka in the 1950s to perform in the Bobby Roberts Circus.

Following the allegations she was moved to Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire.

The charges against the couple have been brought under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

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