Court remands Shannon mother's ex

Craig Meehan has pleaded not guilty to the charges

The former partner of Shannon Matthews' mother remains in custody after appearing in court on charges of possessing child pornography.

Craig Meehan is accused of having 140 indecent images of children, which were allegedly found on a computer at the home he shared with Karen Matthews.

The 22-year-old, from Dewsbury Moor, West Yorkshire, denies the charges.

The case was adjourned by Dewsbury magistrates until 28 May, when it is hoped a trial date will be set.

The supermarket fishmonger was refused bail and remanded in custody.

Kidnap charge

He was arrested last month by police investigating the disappearance of nine-year-old Shannon.

The 22-year-old is accused of 11 specimen offences of possession of indecent images of children.

It is alleged Meehan possessed indecent images of children aged between four and 16, graded at levels one to four - on a scale where one is the least serious and five the most.

They were allegedly found on one of two computers at the family home in Dewsbury Moor where he lived with Ms Matthews, 32, for about five years.

Shannon went missing on 19 February and was discovered hidden in the base of a bed in a flat just one mile from her home after a 24-day search by police.

Mr Meehan's uncle Michael Donovan, 39, of Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, has been charged with Shannon's kidnap and imprisonment.

He will go on trial at Leeds Crown Court on 11 November alongside Ms Matthews, who is charged with child neglect and perverting the course of justice.