Karen: I took rap for kidnap plot

Nov 28 2008 by David Himelfield, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

SHE STANDS accused of organising her daughter Shannon Matthew’s kidnap for a £50,000 reward.

But yesterday Karen Matthews sobbed as she told a jury she had been the scapegoat for a plot devised by her abusive ex-boyfriend and his family.

Matthews, 33, is on trial at Leeds Crown Court with Michael Donovan, 40, of Batley Carr. Both deny kidnapping, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice.

Taking the witness stand Matthews denied knowing Shannon’s whereabouts throughout her 24-day disappearance.

Tearfully, the mother-of-seven told a jury: “I’m just disgusted because I had nothing to do with it.”

Matthews, dressed in a beige jacket and dark blue jeans, told the court she had seen ex-partner Craig Meehan and his sister Amanda Hyett plotting.

Matthews said she had taken the rap for Mr Meehan, Mrs Hyett and his uncle Donovan.

Asked why by her barrister Frances Oldham QC, Matthews replied: “Because I had no convictions, I was family and would get off lightly.”