Accused 'scared' of Shannon's mum

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Michael Donovan began giving evidence at his trial at Leeds Crown Court, where he and Shannon's mother Karen Matthews, 33, deny kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice.

His barrister Alan Conrad QC asked him: "How do you feel towards Karen? Do you like her?" He replied: "No." Asked why, he went on: "I'm scared of her. She kept threatening me."

Mr Donovan, 40, of Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, West Yorkshire, went into the witness box the day after the trial was halted after he received treatment for injuries he received in a prison attack.

Within minutes of him going into the witness box, he had to be asked repeatedly to speak louder by the judge, Mr Justice McCombe.

The charges relate to the 24-day disappearance of Shannon in February and March, when the little girl was nine.

Mr Donovan told the jury that Matthews flagged him down while he was driving in Dewsbury. She told him she had a "problem" and wanted him to sort it out. He claimed she said: "I don't want anyone else to know about it."

They agreed to meet at a cafe in Dewsbury a few days later, the jury was told.

Mr Donovan also told the court that Matthews asked him for a loan of £20,000. Mr Conrad asked him: "Did you have that money?""No, I didn't," he replied.

Mr Conrad then asked him if he would have loaned her the money if he had it. "No," he told the jury.