Mother faces trial on Shannon abduction charges

Karen Matthews will go on trial later this year accused of offences relating to the alleged abduction of her daughter Shannon, a judge ruled today.

Matthews, 32, is charged with perverting the course of justice and child neglect in relation to the disappearance of Shannon in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, in February.

A judge at Leeds Crown Court told her she will go on trial on November 11 alongside Michael Donovan, who is charged with Shannon’s kidnapping and false imprisonment.