A CROWD of around 60 neighbours and family who helped in the search for schoolgirl Shannon Matthews gathered at the court to demonstrate their outrage as her mother appeared in connection with her disappearance.
The angry pack booed and there was a shout of “bitch” as Karen Matthews, 32, was led away from Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court in a white prison van.
As the mother-of-seven appeared on charges of perverting the course of justice and child neglect the crowd gathered outside the court to show their collective disgust.
Police had separated the group, who were quite peaceful in their protest, from the doors by a barricade.
A family member of Matthews, who did not wish to be named, said: “We’re all disgusted. She’s brought shame on the whole family.
"Now when I walk my child to school in the morning I have to keep my head down in case anyone gives me grief for being related to Karen.”
