Accused 'took girl on park trips'

6:01pm Thursday 20th November 2008

The man accused of kidnapping Shannon Matthews told police he took the schoolgirl on trips to the park, a court heard.

Michael Donovan told police officers he drove the nine-year-old girl to the supermarket and took her to local parks. He described how she would sit in the back of his car with her pink coat on and hood up, Leeds Crown Court was told. Donovan also took her for a drive in his car "to give her some fresh air", the jury heard.

The court heard the youngster was unaware of the huge police search and media interest as she would watch cartoons on the television. Donovan and Shannon's mother, Karen Matthews, 33, deny kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice.

Donovan, 40, told police: "During the time Shannon was with me we stayed mostly in the house, although sometimes I would go out and buy clothes, food, toys, games and DVDs. She said I was kind and generous, not like her parents.

"On about three times I took her to parks in Batley and Birstall and once in the evening again I took her for a ride in the car to give her a break from the house and get some fresh air."

She was also supplied with clothes and toys during her 24-day in Donovan's flat. Donovan made the disclosures in police interviews after Shannon was found by officers in the bottom of a divan bed at his flat in Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, West Yorkshire.

Donovan told officers he was threatened by Matthews who said she would set three "lads" onto him if he did not agree to take Shannon to his flat.

The court heard how Donovan told officers Matthews made the threat when the pair met at a cafe in Dewsbury town centre before Shannon vanished.

During the interviews, he told the officers: "When I saw the news I wanted to take her back home but I was still frightened of Karen's threats to set men on me if I did."

The trial was adjourned until Monday.