Shannon accused 'felt threatened'

Michael Donovan is accused of keeping Shannon tethered in his flat

The man accused of kidnapping Shannon Matthews told police her mother offered him money to look after the youngster and then threatened him, a court heard.

In interviews Michael Donovan said he took the girl to parks in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, while she was missing.

Mr Donovan said that when he realised Shannon had been reported missing he wanted to take her back but he was frightened, Leeds Crown Court heard.

The 40-year-old and Karen Matthews, 33, deny kidnap and false imprisonment.

Mr Donovan said Ms Matthews called him to ask how nine-year-old Shannon was and she said she would call him again when reward money had risen to £50,000.

I know one of the people she mentioned had stabbed a man and killed him. I was frightened if I didn't do it they'd come after me What Michael Donovan told police

In his first police interview Mr Donovan gave officers a statement which said Ms Matthews approached him and asked him if he could look after one of her sons and then Shannon.

He said in the statement: "She then asked me to take care of Shannon and again said there would be money in it for me."

The jury heard Mr Donovan then claimed Ms Matthews threatened to "get three lads on to me".

He said: "I know one of the people she mentioned had stabbed a man and killed him. I was frightened if I didn't do it they'd come after me."

Mr Donovan added in the statement: "I said 'OK, I'll do it'."

The court heard that Mr Donovan said he picked Shannon up in his car and when she got in she said: "Hi Mike. My mum says we're going to a fair tonight".

Mr Donovan said he told Shannon the fair trip had to be cancelled because of fog.

Shannon Matthews was found inside this bed in the flat with Mr Donovan

He said Shannon mainly stayed in his home, and would watch cartoons, but said he took her on trips to local shops and on three occasions they went to local parks.

Mr Donovan said Shannon would sit in the back of his car with her coat on and hood up, the court heard.

In the second week he said he was rung up by Ms Matthews.

He said: "She said the reward had gone up to £30,000. I thought from the news it was 25. She told me if it goes up to £50,000 she would ring me again," he told the police.

He told the officers he was frightened and not interested in the reward money.

The jury was also shown an elasticated strap allegedly used by Mr Donovan to tether Shannon to a roof beam while she was kept imprisoned.

Shannon was found hidden under a bed in the flat by police in March after a 24-day search.

Mr Donovan and Ms Matthews also deny perverting the course of justice.

The trial continues.