Menu
04/12/2008
Shannon's Mum Guilty Over Kidnap
Karen Matthews has today been found guilty of kidnap offences relating to the high-profile disappearance of her daughter Shannon.
Ms Matthews, 33, and her co-accused 40-year-old Michael Donovan were convicted of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice. It is expected both will be handed down "substantial" jail terms when sentenced.
Leeds Crown Court (pictured) had earlier heard how Shannon, then nine, was "drugged, subdued and hidden from the public" at Mr Donovan's flat in Batley Carr, West Yorkshire, for 24 days.
At the trial the jury was told both Ms Matthews and Mr Donovan had worked together in order to claim the £50,000 reward money offered for the schoolgirl's safe return.
Today, the detective who led the subsequent case described Ms Matthews as "pure evil".
"It is difficult to understand what type of woman would subject her own daughter to such a wicked and evil crime," said Detective Superintendant Andy Brennan.
Shannon went missing on 19 February this year. A massive police search ensued, costing more than £3m.
The story gained mass media attention, with Ms Matthews making a number of televised pleas for the safe return of her "beautiful princess daughter".
The girl was found by police officers less than a mile from her home in Mr Donovan's flat, hidden inside the frame of a bed.
Ms Matthews was later arrested over the plot.
Mr Donovan, the uncle of Ms Matthews's former partner Craig Meehan, had told the court he participated in the crime because he was afraid of his co-accused.
Both maintained their innocence throughout the three week trial, with Ms Matthews suggesting she was "disgusted" by the charges.
When Ms Matthews and Mr Donovan stood in the dock, earlier today, a hush descended on the court room as the jury read out its verdict.
The judge had warned the public gallery against expressing over-emotional reactions.
Neither showed any emotion when the jury foreman returned the guilty verdict.
It had taken the jury of seven men and five women around six hours to find the pair unanimously guilty of all charges.
Thanking the jury, Mr Justice McCombe said: "You have done it with great aplomb and behaved with great dignity."
(PR)
Ms Matthews, 33, and her co-accused 40-year-old Michael Donovan were convicted of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice. It is expected both will be handed down "substantial" jail terms when sentenced.
Leeds Crown Court (pictured) had earlier heard how Shannon, then nine, was "drugged, subdued and hidden from the public" at Mr Donovan's flat in Batley Carr, West Yorkshire, for 24 days.
At the trial the jury was told both Ms Matthews and Mr Donovan had worked together in order to claim the £50,000 reward money offered for the schoolgirl's safe return.
Today, the detective who led the subsequent case described Ms Matthews as "pure evil".
"It is difficult to understand what type of woman would subject her own daughter to such a wicked and evil crime," said Detective Superintendant Andy Brennan.
Shannon went missing on 19 February this year. A massive police search ensued, costing more than £3m.
The story gained mass media attention, with Ms Matthews making a number of televised pleas for the safe return of her "beautiful princess daughter".
The girl was found by police officers less than a mile from her home in Mr Donovan's flat, hidden inside the frame of a bed.
Ms Matthews was later arrested over the plot.
Mr Donovan, the uncle of Ms Matthews's former partner Craig Meehan, had told the court he participated in the crime because he was afraid of his co-accused.
Both maintained their innocence throughout the three week trial, with Ms Matthews suggesting she was "disgusted" by the charges.
When Ms Matthews and Mr Donovan stood in the dock, earlier today, a hush descended on the court room as the jury read out its verdict.
The judge had warned the public gallery against expressing over-emotional reactions.
Neither showed any emotion when the jury foreman returned the guilty verdict.
It had taken the jury of seven men and five women around six hours to find the pair unanimously guilty of all charges.
Thanking the jury, Mr Justice McCombe said: "You have done it with great aplomb and behaved with great dignity."
(PR)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 November 2008
Shannon Trial Halted After Assault
The trial of the 40-year-old man accused of kidnapping Shannon Matthews has been adjourned for one day, while he recovers from a prison attack. Michael Donovan, along with Shannon's 33-year-old mother Karen Matthews, is standing trial for allegedly kidnapping and falsely imprisoning the schoolgirl.
Shannon Trial Halted After Assault
The trial of the 40-year-old man accused of kidnapping Shannon Matthews has been adjourned for one day, while he recovers from a prison attack. Michael Donovan, along with Shannon's 33-year-old mother Karen Matthews, is standing trial for allegedly kidnapping and falsely imprisoning the schoolgirl.
05 September 2008
Shannon's Mum Faces Fresh Charges
The mother of Shannon Matthews, the girl who went 'missing' for several weeks earlier this year, has been charged with her kidnap and false imprisonment. These new charges were revealed as Karen Matthews appeared at Leeds Crown Court.
Shannon's Mum Faces Fresh Charges
The mother of Shannon Matthews, the girl who went 'missing' for several weeks earlier this year, has been charged with her kidnap and false imprisonment. These new charges were revealed as Karen Matthews appeared at Leeds Crown Court.
12 March 2008
Mother Claims Shannon 'Was Abducted'
The mother of missing West Yorkshire schoolgirl Shannon Matthews has said that she fears that her daughter was abducted by someone she knows. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme, Karen Matthews said that she believed Shannon was abducted after she disappeared last month.
Mother Claims Shannon 'Was Abducted'
The mother of missing West Yorkshire schoolgirl Shannon Matthews has said that she fears that her daughter was abducted by someone she knows. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme, Karen Matthews said that she believed Shannon was abducted after she disappeared last month.
15 February 2007
Matthews says bird flu scare was not his fault
Bernard Matthews, whose poultry firm was at the heart of the recent bird flu outbreak in Britain, has apologised for the scare, but insisted it was not his fault.
Matthews says bird flu scare was not his fault
Bernard Matthews, whose poultry firm was at the heart of the recent bird flu outbreak in Britain, has apologised for the scare, but insisted it was not his fault.
23 January 2009
Karen Matthews Jailed Over Shannon Kidnap
The mother of an eight-year-old girl, who was kidnapped in a plot to claim reward money, has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Karen Matthews, 33, and her co-accused, 40, were earlier found guilty of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the court of justice. Donovan, her former partner's uncle, was also jailed for eight years.
Karen Matthews Jailed Over Shannon Kidnap
The mother of an eight-year-old girl, who was kidnapped in a plot to claim reward money, has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Karen Matthews, 33, and her co-accused, 40, were earlier found guilty of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the court of justice. Donovan, her former partner's uncle, was also jailed for eight years.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
