Mother charged in case of missing girl

LONDON, April 16 (UPI) -- Charges of child neglect and perverting the course of justice were filed Wednesday against the mother of a 9-year-old British girl who was missing for 24 days.

Authorities say Karen Matthews, 32, will go on trial in Leeds Crown Court Nov. 11 along with the man who is accused of abducting her daughter, Shannon, The Times of London reports.

Shannon had been missing for 24 days when authorities found her hidden under a bed at the home of Michael Donovan, 39, the uncle of Matthews' former partner, Craig Meehan.

More than 300 officers and 60 detectives were involved in what was said to be one of the largest search operations in the history of West Yorkshire.

Donovan is charged with kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment.

Matthews is accused of perverting justice for not telling police she suspected her daughter might be with Donovan.

Shannon is currently in the care of social services along with three of her siblings.