Matthews' mother refused bail
Karen Matthews, who is due to go on trial later this year charged with offences relating to the alleged abduction of her daughter Shannon, was today refused bail by a judge.
Matthews (aged 32) is charged with perverting the course of justice and child neglect in relation to the disappearance of Shannon, nine, in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, in February.
Today at Leeds Crown Court, the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC, heard an application for bail on her behalf behind closed doors.
The application was refused however and Matthews was remanded in custody. The defendant was not in court.
Matthews, formerly of Moorside Road, Dewsbury, is due to go on trial alongside Michael Donovan (aged 39) of Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, West Yorkshire, who is charged with Shannon’s kidnapping and false imprisonment.
Shannon went missing from Dewsbury Moor on February 19 following a school swimming trip.
A huge police operation involving more than 300 officers was mobilised to find her. Shannon was later found in Donovan’s flat.
Matthews and Donovan are due to go on trial on November 11.
They will next appear at Leeds Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on September 5.
