The abduction of Shannon Matthews sent shockwaves through the nation when it was revealed that her own mother was behind the heinous act.
Karen Matthews, the mother of the child at the time of her disappearance, was in a relationship with Craig Meehan – who was not involved in the kidnapping.
Who is Craig Meehan?
Craig Meehan is a convicted paedophile and the former boyfriend of Karen Matthews.
The pair lived together on the Dewsbury Moor estate in West Yorkshire, not far from where Shannon was eventually found in Batley Carr.
Although Meehan was not implicated in the kidnapping of the nine-year-old, he was found guilty of possessing child abuse images.
Was Craig Meehan involved in the kidnapping of Shannon Matthews?
No, Craig Meehan was not involved in the kidnapping of Shannon Matthews.
Although he was never charged in connection with the abduction, he was convicted of possessing child abuse images after police found incriminating evidence in the house they shared.
What was Craig Meehan’s relationship with Karen Matthews?
Craig Meehan and Karen Matthews were in a relationship for five years.
During their time together, Matthews conspired with Meehan’s uncle, Michael Donovan, to kidnap her own daughter, Shannon.
Meehan, who met Matthews when he was still young, maintained their relationship until Matthews’ trial.
Despite Matthews’ attempts to blame Meehan for the abduction, he continued to profess his love for her in court.
However, their relationship was marred by suspicions of infidelity and ultimately broke down.
Shannon Matthews’ pal speaks of pain of losing best friend after abduction
They had been together for around four years when Shannon disappeared and stayed together up until Matthews’ trial.
Throughout the cruel mum’s trial for child neglect and perverting the course of justice, Meehan continued to profess his love for her.
He told the court they had a “pretty good relationship”, but said Matthews suspected he was cheating on her with a fellow supermarket worker.
Matthews initially told a similar story, but soon changed her tune entirely.
Giving evidence in court Matthews tried to portray Meehan as violent rapist and attempted to blame him for Shannon’s abduction.
Where has Craig Meehan lived?
Since his release from prison in 2008, Craig Meehan has been relocated multiple times.
Initially housed in Keighley, West Yorkshire, Meehan was moved after facing attacks in the community.
After being discovered in various locations, he was eventually settled in Dewsbury, only to be relocated once again after facing backlash from residents.
His whereabouts remain unknown after the last relocation.
Where is Craig Meehan now?
Craig Meehan was found living in close proximity to a primary school in Dewsbury, just yards away from where Shannon was abducted.
Angry residents and parents of schoolchildren were dismayed to discover Meehan’s presence in the area.
Despite being on the Sex Offender’s Register, Meehan’s current location is undisclosed.
Timeline of the Shannon Matthews kidnap plot
A look at the events that unfolded following the disappearance of schoolgirl Shannon Matthews:
- February 19, 2008 – Shannon Matthews disappears and was last spotted outside Westmoor Junior School, Dewsbury.
- February 19, 2008 – Police announce that they have started a massive search involving more than 200 officers as concern grows for the missing girl.
- March 1, 2008 – Karen Matthews issues an emotional appeal for Shannon’s return on the eve of Mother’s Day.
- March 5, 2008 – Police release a recording of part of the 999 call Matthews made reporting Shannon missing.
- March 14, 2008 – Shannon is found alive and hidden in the base of a divan bed at a house at Michael Donovan’s house in Batley Carr, West Yorkshire.
- April 9, 2008 – Karen Matthews is charged with child neglect and perverting the course of justice over her daughter’s disappearance – new charges of Kidnap and false imprisonment were later added.
- December 4, 2008 – Matthews and Donovan are found guilty of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice and both sentenced to eight years behind bars.
