Couple held on benefit fraud charges

Apr 15 2008 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE next-door neighbours of Dewsbury girl Shannon Matthews have been arrested suspicion of benefit fraud, sources say.

Amanda and Neil Hyett, of Moorside Road, Dewsbury Moor, are the sister and brother-in-law of Craig Meehan, the ex-partner of Shannon’s mother, Karen Matthews, and live in the adjoining semi-detached house.

Police and Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) officials arrested them yesterday on suspicion of committing fraud offences.

It is understood the investigation into the alleged fraud began before nine-year-old Shannon disappeared on February 19.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Police, assisting the DPW, arrested two people from Dewsbury Moor on suspicion of committing fraud.’’

“We regularly work with the DWP to investigate allegations of benefit fraud.

He added that the arrests were not linked to Shannon’s case.

Coach driver Mr Hyett, 36, and his 25-year-old wife led the search for Shannon after she disappeared.

The young girl was discovered on March 14, hidden in the base of a bed in a flat in Batley Carr, just one mile from her home in Dewsbury Moor.

Mrs Hyett was previously arrested along with her mother, Alice Meehan, 49, and sister Caroline Meehan, 29, on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in connection with Shannon’s disappearance.

All three were later released on bail pending further inquiries.