16/04/2008

Shannon's Mother To Stand Trial Over Her Abduction

The mother of Shannon Matthews is to stand trial in November in relation to the alleged abduction of the schoolgirl.

Karen Matthews, 32, of Dewsbury in Yorkshire, appeared at Leeds Crown Court via videolink on Wednesday.

She has been charged with perverting the course of justice and child neglect and has been remanded in custody until November 11, when she is due to stand trial alongside Michael Donovan, the man charged with the kidnap and false imprisonment of Shannon.

It is understood that the perverting the course of justice charge which Ms Matthews faces alleges that she "repeatedly concealed information" regarding her daughter's whereabouts when dealing with police officers.

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

Mr Donovan is the uncle of Ms Matthews' partner, Craig Meehan, 22. Mr Meehan has been charged with possessing indecent images of children in a separate case. He was remanded in custody last week and is due to appear before Dewsbury Magistrates' Court again on April 18.

Mr Meehan's mother, Alice Meehan, 49, and two sisters - Amanda Hyett, 25, and Caroline Meehan, 29 - have also been arrested in connection with the case.

They have been released on bail, pending further inquiries.

(KMcA/JM)

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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.
07 April 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.
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.
18 April 2008
Meehan Pleads Not Guilty To Possessing Child Porn
The former partner of Shannon Matthews' mother has pleaded not guilty to possessing indecent images of children. Craig Meehan, 22, of Moorside Road, Dewsbury Moor, was accused of possessing 140 indecent images of children. They were allegedly found on two computers at his home address.
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.