Shannon mum on kidnap charge

Sep 6 2008 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

SHANNON Matthews’ mum is facing trial for kidnapping and falsely imprisoning her.

Karen Matthews, 32, will stand before a jury alongside Michael Donovan, 40, in November over her daughter’s 24-day disappearance earlier this year.

The pair pleaded not guilty to the charges at Leeds Crown Court yesterday.

They also denied perverting the course of justice in the period after nine-year-old Shannon was reported missing on February 19.

Karen Matthews had originally been charged with perverting the course of justice and child neglect.

The extra charges were revealed during yesterday’s plea hearing.

No plea was entered for the child neglect charge.

It is the first time the pair have appeared side by side in the dock.

Wearing a beige jacket, white shirt and jeans, Matthews was separated from Donovan by an empty chair.

She sat with her arms crossed throughout the 45-minute hearing.