Shannon Accused Refused Bail

THE man accused of kidnapping nine-year-old schoolgirl Shannon Matthews and holding her captive for 24 days has been refused bail.

Michael Donovan, of Batley Carr, West Yorkshire, was arrested after the schoolgirl was discovered in the base of a bed at his flat.

The 39-year-old has been on remand awaiting trial on charges of kidnap and imprisonment in November alongside Shannon’s mother Karen, who is facing charges of perverting the course of justice and child neglect.

An application for bail by a barrister at Leeds Crown Court was today refused by judge Peter Collier QC, the Recorder of Leeds.

Ms Matthew’s former partner Craig Meehan, 22, of Moorside Road, Dewsbury Moor, is currently on remand in prison facing charges of possessing child pornography.

Meehan’s mother Alice, 49, and her daughters Amanda Hyett and Caroline Meehan are on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in connection with Shannon’s disappearance.

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