07/04/2008

Shannon's Mother Arrested

The mother of Shannon Matthews has been arrested as police continue to investigate the schoolgirl's alleged abduction.

Karen Matthews, 32, from Dewsbury Moor in West Yorkshire was arrested on Sunday night on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Meanwhile, the man accused of abducting the nine-year-old is being treated in hospital for what is believed to be a "serious case of self harm".

Michael Donovan, 39, is on remand at Leeds prison, awaiting trial for the kidnap and imprisonment of Shannon.

He was arrested in March after Shannon was found in his flat in Lidgate Gardens in Batley Carr. A provisional trial date has been set for November 11.

Shannon disappeared on February 19, following a school swimming trip. She was discovered on March 14, hidden in the base of a bed in Mr Donovan's flat in Batley Carr.

Mr Donovan, formerly known as Paul Drake, is the uncle of Shannon's stepfather, Craig Meehan.

Mr Meehan, 22, from Dewsbury Moor, appeared in court last week, charged with ten counts of possessing indecent images of children. He was remanded in custody to appear before the same court on April 11.

Two other family members were also arrested last week. Mr Meehan's sister, Amanda Hyett, 25, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Their mother, Alice Meehan, 49, was also arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Both were later released on police bail.

(KMcA/JM)


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09 April 2008
Shannon's Mother Remanded In Custody
Karen Matthews has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged in connection with her daughter Shannon's disappearance. The 32-year-old, from Moorside Road, Dewsbury Moor, West Yorkshire, appeared before Dewsbury Magistrates' Court charged with child neglect and perverting the course of justice.
11 April 2008
Shannon's Stepfather In The Dock
Shannon Matthew's stepfather has appeared in Dewsbury Magistrates Court today charged with possessing indecent images of children. Craig Meehan, 22, is accused of 11 specimen offences of child pornography. It is alleged that Mr Meehan, of Moorside Road, Dewbury, was in possession of 140 indecent images of children graded at levels one to four.
10 April 2008
Further Arrests In Shannon Case
A further three arrests have been made today as police probe deeper into the Shannon Matthew's case. Alice Meehan, 49, and her two daughters, Amanda Hyett, 25, and Caroline Meehan, 29, have all been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
04 April 2008
Two Women Arrested In Shannon Matthews Case
Police have arrested two members of Shannon Matthew's family as the investigation into the alleged abduction of West Yorkshire schoolgirl continues.
08 April 2008
Extra Time To Question Shannon's Mother
Police have been granted a 24-hour extension to question the mother of Shannon Matthews about the alleged abduction of her daughter. Karen Matthews, 32, from Dewsbury Moor in West Yorkshire was arrested on Sunday night on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.