'Kidnap trial' for Shannon mother

Karen Matthews will go on trial on 11 November

The mother of Shannon Matthews will go on trial alongside Michael Donovan, who is charged with Shannon's kidnapping and false imprisonment.

Karen Matthews, 32, of Dewsbury, Yorks appeared at Leeds Crown Court via video link to face charges of child neglect and perverting the course of justice.

The second charge states she "repeatedly concealed information" in relation to Shannon's whereabouts.

Ms Matthews was remanded back into custody to go on trial on 11 November.

Relatives arrested

She was charged in connection with the nine-year-old's disappearance on 8 April.

Shannon was last seen on 19 February leaving a local swimming pool with fellow pupils at Moorside Junior School.

Background to the case

She was discovered 24 days later in the base of a divan bed at the home of Mr Donovan on Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr.

The 39-year-old is the uncle of Shannon's stepfather Craig Meehan, 22, who has been charged with possessing indecent images of children which is unrelated to Shannon's disappearance.

A number of members of Ms Matthews' extended family have also been arrested by officers investigating the incident and released on bail pending further inquiries.