Shannon's mum remanded in custody on child neglect charge
Shannon Matthews' mother Karen in court
Wednesday, 09, Apr 2008 08:31
Shannon Matthews' mother has been remanded in custody after being charged with perverting the course of justice and child neglect.
Karen Matthews, 32, will next appear at Leeds crown court on April 16th following her appearance at Dewsbury magistrates court earlier today.
Her nine-year-old daughter was missing for 24 days after disappearing following a school swimming trip on February 19th.
She was later found by police at an address less than a mile from her home.
Ms Matthews, of Moorside Road, Dewsbury Moor, was arrested last Sunday.
Her arrest came after 39-year-old Michael Donovan was charged with kidnapping Shannon.
Peter Mann, a spokesperson for the crown prosecution service, said: "Having carefully considered all of the evidence provided with the file by West Yorkshire police we have decided that there is sufficient evidence and have authorised that Karen Matthews be charged with perverting the course of justice and child neglect.
"We will continue to keep this case under constant review. Shannon's disappearance and the events which have unfolded since she was found have attracted enormous public interest. Karen Matthews now stands accused of these offences and she is entitled to a fair trial."
Mr Donovan, who is the uncle of Shannon's stepfather Craig Meehan, is due to stand trial in November.
Three other people have been arrested by West Yorkshire police following Shannon's disappearance.
Mr Meehan himself has been charged with 11 counts of possessing indecent images of children and has been remanded into custody until April 11th.
And two women, aged 25 and 49 and believed to be relatives of Mr Meehan, have been bailed pending further inquiries on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
West Yorkshire police officers distributed flyers and leaflets among the local population of Dewsbury Moor today calling for residents not to take the law into their own hands as well as providing information on the ongoing investigation.
A spokesman said that the leaflets were being used as a "reassurance message" and called on local residents to let the police get on with their jobs.
He confirmed the flyers included information on the charges brought against Ms Matthews and explained why the police could not provide anymore information at this time.