Shannon mum hearing: Extraordinary twists

Sep 6 2008 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

SINCE news broke of her disappearance on February 19 much of what has unfolded in the Shannon Matthews case has been extraordinary.

First came the emotional, public appeals by Karen Matthews and family for help, the huge police search – the biggest operation by West Yorkshire Police since the Ripper murders – and the overwhelming show of public support from the community at Dewsbury Moor.

Then, when hope seemed to be fading, came the dramatic discovery of the nine-year-old girl in the base of a bed, just a mile from her home.

There were open displays of joy and celebrations on the streets of her home estate and an outpouring of thanks from her mother and family.

The arrest of a man who was related to her mother’s boyfriend – and the fact that Shannon remained in protective custody – suggested that the relief that greeted her reappearance would soon make way to confusion and mistrust.

More remarkable twists quickly followed, with a steady stream of rumours about how and why Shannon had gone missing, accusations about who was involved and, finally, the arrest of Karen Matthews.