Karen Matthews: Mother-of-seven portrayed as sink estate slob

Dec 4 2008 By Andrew Jackson

And, leaving aside various accusations about her benefits claims, her long-standing live-in partner had a full-time job and was bringing a regular wage into the family.

Her then friend, Petra Jamieson, said: "Whose family’s perfect anyway? I know mine isn’t and a lot of other people’s isn’t. Karen’s not the first person in the world to have kids by different blokes - not the first person and she won’t be the last person."

Matthews’ relationship with Mr Meehan began when he was not much more than a boy. He was one of the youths who would hang out in the street outside her home while she was a mother of six in her late 20s.

After Shannon was found, Mr Meehan was convicted of possessing child pornography on his computer.

At his trial he professed his continuing love for Matthews, saying they had had a "pretty good relationship" but would argue over her suspicions he was not being faithful.

Matthews originally said they had a good relationship. She even said they had been thinking of getting married, but the death of Mr Meehan’s father at the end of last year brought a halt to their plans.

Then, after she was arrested, she changed her account completely, portraying Meehan as a violent monster who even raped her and blamed him for Shannon’s abduction.