We're going to a fair, Shannon told kidnap accused

The man accused of kidnapping schoolgirl Shannon Matthews told police the youngster got into his car and said "My mum says we're going to a fair", a jury heard today.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Donovan, 40, told officers he had picked up Shannon after her mother, Karen Matthews, 33, had asked him to look after the nine-year-old and then threatened him.

The jury was told that Donovan made the claims when he was interviewed by detectives after he was arrested in March when Shannon, who had been missing for 24 days, was found in his flat in Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, West Yorkshire.

He and Matthews deny kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice.