Shannon Matthews from the Daily Mail

Stressed Shannon's jail reunion with mother is cut short

By Ian Gallagher
Last updated at 10:24 PM on 24th May 2008

Emotional reunion: Karen Matthews broke down in a prison meeting with her daughter Shannon
Shannon Matthews has visited her mother in prison for the first time since she was charged in connection with her disappearance.

But their emotional reunion was cut short because nine-year-old Shannon, who was allegedly abducted for 24 days in February, found it ‘too stressful’.

They met in a private room at New Hall prison near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, where Karen Matthews, 32, is on remand. The pair were accompanied by a prison officer and social worker throughout the meeting, which took place earlier this month.

Karen Matthews will go on trial alongside Michael Donovan – who is charged with kidnapping her daughter – accused of perverting the course of justice by concealing information during the £5million police search.

‘The meeting was very difficult,’ said a source. ‘Karen was warned not to stray on to adult subjects and not to talk about the case in any form. She had been coached about what to say to the inevitable question, “Why are you here, Mummy?”

‘It was very emotional and when they hugged, Karen broke down and became hysterical. At one point it was decided they should have a break and resume when Karen calmed down. The meeting was scheduled for two hours but it ended up lasting half that because Shannon found seeing her mother too stressful.

‘It was hoped, perhaps unrealistically, that Karen might have been able to keep her emotions in check more successfully. Any further visits are now under review.’

It is only the second time Shannon, who is with foster parents, and her mother have met since she vanished on February 19. It was felt that Matthews, who also faces a charge of child neglect, would never see any of her seven children – by five partners – again. If she is convicted and receives a lengthy jail term, the family could be broken up for ever.

The children have all been placed with foster parents. Social workers will consider the emotional disruption to their lives as well as the suitability of Matthews as a mother before making further decisions on custody.

Matthews’ partner at the time of Shannon’s disappearance, Craig Meehan, 22, has been charged with possessing indecent images of children.

Donovan, 39, who is Meehan’s uncle, was charged with kidnap and false imprisonment after being found alongside Shannon in the base of a bed in his flat less than a mile from her home in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

This is a tragic story of a totallly dysfunctional 'family' who were known to social services but no action could be taken up till this most odd incident.

Shannon's needs are paramount in this and the other children. They seem better off with foster carers than they ever were if what we read is correct.

I found it unbelievable even for THAT BLOG - to blame Kate and Gerry McCann for this scenario!!!! Helen calls it TWS so you know it is her that shall not be named........ Yet another leap to a ridiculous conclusion from that quarter.