Menu
01/05/2008
Uncle Refused Bail Over Shannon 'Abduction'
While other members of the previously 'abducted' girl Shannon Matthew's family have now been released on bail pending further inquiries, the man actually accused of the kidnap and imprisonment of the schoolgirl has today been refused bail.
Michael Donovan, 39, of Batley Carr, West Yorkshire, was arrested after the nine-year-old was found in the base of a bed at his flat.
He was held by West Yorkshire Police on March 14 following a dramatic 24-day search for Shannon.
Police found the youngster hidden at his flat on Lidgate Gardens, just one mile from her home in Dewsbury Moor.
Today, an application for bail by a barrister at Leeds Crown Court was refused by judge Peter Collier QC, the Recorder of Leeds.
Donovan did not appear in person at the 15-minute hearing, which was held behind closed doors.
Now, Donovan will go on trial at Leeds Crown Court on November 11 alongside Shannon's mother, Karen Matthews, 32, who is charged with child neglect and perverting the course of justice.
Matthews' former partner Craig Meehan, 22, is the nephew of Donovan. He was similarly refused bail in April on charges of possessing 140 indecent images of children, which were said to have been found on the computer at the home he shared with Shannon's mother.
He has also been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice by the officers investigating Shannon's disappearance.
Craig Meehan will next appear before magistrates in Dewsbury on May 14.
(BMcC)
Michael Donovan, 39, of Batley Carr, West Yorkshire, was arrested after the nine-year-old was found in the base of a bed at his flat.
He was held by West Yorkshire Police on March 14 following a dramatic 24-day search for Shannon.
Police found the youngster hidden at his flat on Lidgate Gardens, just one mile from her home in Dewsbury Moor.
Today, an application for bail by a barrister at Leeds Crown Court was refused by judge Peter Collier QC, the Recorder of Leeds.
Donovan did not appear in person at the 15-minute hearing, which was held behind closed doors.
Now, Donovan will go on trial at Leeds Crown Court on November 11 alongside Shannon's mother, Karen Matthews, 32, who is charged with child neglect and perverting the course of justice.
Matthews' former partner Craig Meehan, 22, is the nephew of Donovan. He was similarly refused bail in April on charges of possessing 140 indecent images of children, which were said to have been found on the computer at the home he shared with Shannon's mother.
He has also been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice by the officers investigating Shannon's disappearance.
Craig Meehan will next appear before magistrates in Dewsbury on May 14.
(BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 March 2008
Trial Date Set For Shannon Kidnap Accused
A 39-year-old man accused of the kidnap and false imprisonment of West Yorkshire schoolgirl Shannon Matthews is to stand trial later this year. Michael Donovan, from Lidgate Gardens in Dewsbury, appeared at Leeds Crown Court via videolink on Wednesday.
Trial Date Set For Shannon Kidnap Accused
A 39-year-old man accused of the kidnap and false imprisonment of West Yorkshire schoolgirl Shannon Matthews is to stand trial later this year. Michael Donovan, from Lidgate Gardens in Dewsbury, appeared at Leeds Crown Court via videolink on Wednesday.
16 June 2003
Shannon region boosted by 14m euro investment
Irish Deputy Prime Minister, and trade minister, Mary Harney has announced an investment of 14 million euro in 11 new Irish-owned high-technology start-up businesses in the Shannon Region.
Shannon region boosted by 14m euro investment
Irish Deputy Prime Minister, and trade minister, Mary Harney has announced an investment of 14 million euro in 11 new Irish-owned high-technology start-up businesses in the Shannon Region.
12 November 2008
Shannon Kidnapped In 'Dishonest And Wicked' Plan
Shannon Matthews was drugged and kidnapped as part of a "dishonest and wicked plan" by her mother and the man whose flat she was found in, a court has heard. The nine-year-old schoolgirl's mother Karen Matthews, and Michael Donovan appeared at Leeds Crown Court today in relation to her disappearance in West Yorkshire earlier this year.
Shannon Kidnapped In 'Dishonest And Wicked' Plan
Shannon Matthews was drugged and kidnapped as part of a "dishonest and wicked plan" by her mother and the man whose flat she was found in, a court has heard. The nine-year-old schoolgirl's mother Karen Matthews, and Michael Donovan appeared at Leeds Crown Court today in relation to her disappearance in West Yorkshire earlier this year.
23 January 2009
Karen Matthews Jailed Over Shannon Kidnap
The mother of an eight-year-old girl, who was kidnapped in a plot to claim reward money, has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Karen Matthews, 33, and her co-accused, 40, were earlier found guilty of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the court of justice. Donovan, her former partner's uncle, was also jailed for eight years.
Karen Matthews Jailed Over Shannon Kidnap
The mother of an eight-year-old girl, who was kidnapped in a plot to claim reward money, has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Karen Matthews, 33, and her co-accused, 40, were earlier found guilty of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the court of justice. Donovan, her former partner's uncle, was also jailed for eight years.
04 December 2008
Shannon's Mum Guilty Over Kidnap
Karen Matthews has today been found guilty of kidnap offences relating to the high-profile disappearance of her daughter Shannon. Ms Matthews, 33, and her co-accused 40-year-old Michael Donovan were convicted of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice.
Shannon's Mum Guilty Over Kidnap
Karen Matthews has today been found guilty of kidnap offences relating to the high-profile disappearance of her daughter Shannon. Ms Matthews, 33, and her co-accused 40-year-old Michael Donovan were convicted of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
