Man charged with abducting Shannon

A 39-year-old man was tonight charged with the kidnap and false imprisonment of Shannon Matthews in England.

Michael Donovan, of Lidgate Gardens, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, will appear before Dewsbury Magistrates tomorrow, charged with snatching the nine-year-old schoolgirl off the street on February 19.

The youngster was discovered less than one mile from her home in Dewsbury on Friday afternoon, 24 days after she went missing.

Peter Mann, Head of CPS West and North Yorkshire Complex Case Unit, said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has been working closely with the police in connection with this case since the arrest of Michael Donovan, formerly known as Paul Drake, on Friday March 14.

“As the case has developed we have been carefully examining and assessing the evidence in order to come to a charging decision at the earliest possible opportunity.

“Having carefully considered all of the material supplied by West Yorkshire Police, we have made the decision that there is sufficient evidence and have authorised that Michael Donovan should be charged with kidnapping and false imprisonment. We will continue to keep this case under constant review as it develops.

“At this time I would like to remind you of the need to take care in reporting the events surrounding this case. Michael Donovan stands accused of this offence and has the right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be responsible media reporting which should not prejudice the due process of law.

“Michael Donovan will be appearing at Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.”