Shannon Kidnapped In 'Dishonest And Wicked' Plan

Shannon Matthews was drugged and kidnapped as part of a "dishonest and wicked plan" by her mother and the man whose flat she was found in, a court has heard.

The nine-year-old schoolgirl's mother Karen Matthews, and Michael Donovan appeared at Leeds Crown Court today in relation to her disappearance in West Yorkshire earlier this year.

Julian Goose, QC, for the prosecution, told the jury that Ms Matthews, 33, falsely imprisoned her own daughter at Michael Donovan's flat, stating the "overwhelming likelihood was that the reason for the plan was dishonestly to obtain the reward offered by the press".

The court heard the pair had planned to claim the reward money for the young girl's return. At its height, the reward money reached £50,000.

Medical tests revealed she had been given temazepam tablets and travel sickness tablets to subdue her during the 24 days she was held.

The court also heard Shannon had been restrained by a looped strap tied to a roof beam, which would have given her limited access around the flat when Mr Donovan went out.

Karen Matthews denies charges of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice. Mr Donovan also faces the same charges, which he denies.

Mr Goose told the jury Karen Matthews had raised the alarm about her daughter's disappearance on February 19.

He added: "The 999 call was part of a dishonest and we say wicked plan by Michael Donovan and Karen Matthews. Shannon was an innocent victim of the plan.

"She was kidnapped and falsely imprisoned in the flat where Donovan lived. She was drugged to subdue her during the period of her captivity."

According to the prosecution lawyer, Shannon had gone to school "as part of a normal school day" and was taken by bus to the swimming pool with her friends.

The last official sighting of the nine-year-old was by her friends and teachers after she got off the bus that had taken her home after the swimming trip.

The prosecution also said the court that Donovan was waiting on the route home, in his Peugeot car.

"He told Shannon Matthews that she was to be taken to a fair. No doubt, this was said in order to cause Shannon to get into the car willingly with Michael Donovan," Mr Goose said.

"With this lie as part of the plan agreed with Karen Matthews, Shannon was kidnapped and taken away."

Ms Matthews, of Moorside Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, sat alongside Mr Donovan, of Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, in the dock. They both deny all charges.

The case continues.

(JM)