Shannon Matthews trial: Amazing pictures of flat and CCTV

Nov 26 2008 By Andrew Jackson

THE man accused of kidnapping Shannon Matthews today denied being "the one in control" of a plan to abduct the youngster and claim £50,000 reward money.

Michael Donovan, 40, was accused at Leeds Crown Court today of being involved with other members of his family in a plan to abduct the schoolgirl.

Click here to see a photogallery of evidence presented to the jury.

Donovan and Shannon’s mother Karen Matthews, 33, both deny kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice in connection with the girl’s disappearance.

It was put to him by Matthews’ barrister, Frances Oldham QC, that his sister Alice Meehan, niece Amanda Hyett, and Matthews’ partner Craig Meehan were involved in the plan to abduct the youngster.

Mrs Oldham said to Donovan: "This plan involving Shannon, involved you, Craig, the Hyetts, and Alice, didn’t it?"

Donovan said: "Not to what I know about Amanda and Alice."

Mrs Oldham said: "But Craig?"

Donovan replied: "I’m not sure about Craig."

Mrs Oldham continued: "You, Mr Donovan, and members of your family made this plan?"

Donovan said: "No."

Mrs Oldham said Donovan was the person controlling the plan.

She said: "Mr Donovan, you knew exactly what you were doing, didn’t you? You were the one in control, you were in control of Shannon?"

Donovan denied the suggestions.