Karen Matthews should have got 20 years says cousin

Jan 26 2009 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Ms Howgate, who lives in Keighley, said: “My youngest son thought she would probably get life and when I spoke to my mum she said they should have got more, both of them.

“I’m not saying she’s evil like Myra Hindley, but she is evil in a tiny way because if she can do that to her own daughter what’s she going to be like with her other children?”

Ms Howgate did not believe Matthews would ever be able to return to her home at Dewsbury Moor because of the ill-feeling against her on the estate.

She added: “A lot of people would be after her. A few people will stick by her, but I will never forgive her for what she’s done.”

Matthews is in New Hall prison, near Flockton.

The court was told that since being convicted last year she had received no visitors other than her legal representatives.

Kirklees Council is holding an independent inquiry into the case.

The findings are expected within weeks.