Shannon mother's ex refused bail

Craig Meehan has pleaded not guilty to the charges

The former partner of Shannon Matthews' mother remains in custody on charges of possessing child pornography after an application for bail was refused.

Craig Meehan, 22, has pleaded not guilty to 11 specimen charges relating to indecent images of children.

A judge at Leeds Crown Court refused a new bail application on Wednesday.

Mr Meehan, who lived with Shannon and her mother Karen Matthews, 32, in Dewsbury Moor, was arrested during the inquiry into the girl's disappearance.

Mr Meehan did not appear at court for the short hearing.

He will stand trial before magistrates and will next appear in court on 14 May.

Until his arrest, Mr Meehan lived at Ms Matthews' home on Moorside Road and is father to one of Ms Matthews' seven children.

Ms Matthews is charged with child neglect and perverting the course of justice.

She will go on trial on 11 November alongside Michael Donovan who is charged with kidnapping and false imprisonment.