09/04/2008

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.

She was remanded in custody until April 16.

Ms Matthews was arrested on Sunday night and charged on Tuesday night.

Peter Mann, spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said that there was "sufficient evidence" to charge Ms Matthews with perverting the course of justice and neglect.

Shannon, nine, disappeared on February 19, following a school swimming trip. She was discovered on March 14 hidden in the base of a bed in the flat of Michael Donovan, 39, who is awaiting trial for kidnap and imprisonment in November.

Two other family members were also arrested last week. Amanda Hyett, 25 - sister of Ms Matthews' partner Craig Meehan - 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.

Mr Meehan, 22, is charged with possessing child pornography in a separate case.

(DS/KMcA)


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