THE mother of Shannon Matthews will go on trial later this year accused of offences relating to the alleged abduction of her nine year-old daughter, a judge ruled today.

THE mother of Shannon Matthews will go on trial later this year accused of offences relating to the alleged abduction of her nine year-old daughter, a judge ruled today.

Karen Matthews, 32, of Moorside Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, is charged with perverting the course of justice and child neglect in relation to the disappearance of Shannon in February.

A judge at Leeds Crown Court told her she will go on trial on November 11 alongside Michael Donovan, who is charged with Shannon's kidnapping and false imprisonment.

Matthews appeared before the judge via video link.

Donovan, 39, of Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, West Yorkshire, was not in court but was represented by his solicitor, Malcolm Nowell.

The judge, The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC, heard that Matthews and Donovan will both go trial together.

There was no application for bail by Richard Butters, representing Matthews, and she was remanded in custody.

Both defendants will appear again at Leeds Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on July 11.