KAREN Matthews will stand trial with the man accused of abducting her daughter Shannon, a judge has ruled.
Matthews, 32, appeared before Leeds Crown Court yesterday, charged with perverting the course of justice and child neglect in relation to the disappearance of the nine-year-old, who went missing from her home in Dewsbury Moor on February 19 after a school swimming trip.
The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC, told the-mother-of-seven that she will go on trial on November 11 alongside Michael Donovan, who is charged with Shannon’s kidnapping and false imprisonment.
Matthews, of Moorside Road, appeared in court via a videolink from New Hall prison at Flockton, where she has been remanded since her appearance at Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court a week ago.
She sat in a chair behind a table wearing a sky-blue T-shirt under a baggy grey zipped top, her long red hair hanging loose over her shoulders. She appeared pale and tired and spoke quietly to confirm her name and that she could hear the proceedings.
The perverting the course of justice charge she faces alleges that she “repeatedly concealed information in relation to the whereabouts of Shannon Matthews in interviews and other contacts with officers with the West Yorkshire Police and claimed to have no knowledge of her whereabouts”.
Matthews sat listening to lawyers attentively for the 10-minute hearing, which was packed with reporters.
Donovan, 39, of Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, was not in court but was represented by his solicitor, Malcolm Nowell.
Judge Collier heard that Matthews and Donovan will both go on trial together.
There was no application for bail by Richard Butters, representing Matthews, and she was remanded in custody.
Both defendants will appear again at Leeds Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on July 11.
Shannon was found 24 days later in the base of a divan bed at Donovan’s flat, which is just a mile from her home.
At yesterday’s hearing, Matthews’ lawyer Mr Butters said he feared that the huge amount of publicity surrounding the case would mean that she won’t get a fair trial.
He said: “I’m concerned that there’s been a significant amount of publicity in relation to this case, much of which is detrimental to Karen Matthews. The prosecution also has concerns about what’s been said about her; it’s a problem which has caused the crown grave concern despite appeals to the media for constraint.
“If the publicity continues in the way it’s continuing an application may be made to have the matter transferred to another centre.”
Judge Collier agreed. He told reporters: “Can I urge the Press to exercise great caution with reporting so that nothing might prejudice a fair trial.
“The current charges may not be the final charges, it’s extremely important that nothing should be said by way of guess work as to what may be the eventual charges for fear of prejudice.
“The Press who report locally are very responsible”.
