The man accused of kidnapping Shannon Matthews was charged with the abduction of one of his daughters 15 months earlier, a jury was told today.

The mother of Shannon Matthews told British police the man accused of kidnapping her daughter invited her to stay at his house two months before she went missing, a court in England heard today.

The mother of Shannon Matthews displayed a “Jekyll and Hyde” character during the 24-day search for her daughter – joking with friends behind closed doors but subdued with the police and press, a court in Britain heard today.

THE mother of schoolgirl Shannon Matthews, who went missing for 24 days earlier this year, has been charged with her kidnap and false imprisonment, a court heard yesterday.

The mother of schoolgirl Shannon Matthews, who went missing for 24 days earlier this year, has been charged with her kidnap and false imprisonment, a court in the UK heard today.

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.

The partner of Shannon Matthews’ mother arrived at court today to face charges of possessing child pornography.

Two women arrested in connection with the alleged abduction of schoolgirl Shannon Matthews in England have been granted police bail, West Yorkshire Police said.

THE stepfather of Shannon Matthews was remanded in custody yesterday charged with possessing 140 pornographic images of children on two computers.

Craig Meehan, the stepfather of Shannon Matthews, was charged tonight with 10 offences of possessing indecent images of children.

English police investigating the disappearance of schoolgirl Shannon Matthews have today arrested her stepfather Craig Meehan.

TWO police officers who spearheaded the rescue of Shannon Matthews were singled out for praise yesterday.

The community celebrating the astonishing reappearance of schoolgirl Shannon Matthews were hopeful that her parents would return home today after the pair spent the night in a hotel.

Detectives in England are tonight trying to unravel the mystery of what happened to Shannon Matthews between her disappearance 24 days ago and her dramatic rescue.

Family and friends of nine-year-old British girl Shannon Matthews were celebrating tonight after she was dramatically found alive 24 days after going missing.

Missing nine-year-old Shannon Matthews was found alive today in the UK 24 days after she disappeared.