Trial date set for Shannon mother

Karen Matthews is to go on trial in Britain in November over the disappearance of her 9-year-old daughter Shannon, a court official…

Karen Matthews is to go on trial in Britain in November over the disappearance of her 9-year-old daughter Shannon, a court official said today.

Shannon was found safe, 24 days after she went missing following a school swimming trip in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

Ms Matthews (32), appeared at Leeds Crown Court via video link and was remanded back into custody, charged with perverting the course of justice and child neglect.

She will be tried on November 11th alongside Michael Donovan, the 39-year old uncle of her partner, Craig Meehan.

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Mr Donovan has been charged with abduction and imprisonment.

Mr Meehan (22), has been remanded in custody on charges of possessing indecent images of children.

Three other women, aged 25, 29 and 49, have all been bailed after being held on suspicion of perverting the cause of justice.

Shannon's disappearance in February sparked a massive police hunt. Police found her in the base of a bed in a house about a mile from her home.