Craig Meehan, 22, denied he had hurt Shannon after claims by uncle Martin Matthews and grandmother June Matthews were printed in a national newspaper.

Martin said the nine-year-old had shown him bruises, claiming stepfather Craig Meehan, 22, had hit her.

He said the night before she disappeared, she had begged to stay at his house.

And Karen's mother June Matthews, 64, said: "Karen was a great mum before she took Craig in. Those kids were loved and cared for. Since he arrived, they've had a terrible time."

Angry Craig said: "I've never laid a finger on Shannon. I've never hit Karen or any of the children. We play about as you do but have a brilliant relationship.

"Anyone round here will tell you I love these kids. I know they're not mine but they might as well be. I buy the food and pay all the bills. I bring the money into the family and all of it goes on the children and Karen. To tell the truth, these allegations say more about Karen's mother than they do about me.

"She's never liked any of Karen's ex-partners and is always trying to make trouble for us. She wants to rule Karen's life."

Last week, Karen told the Reporter in an exclusive interview she felt let down by family members, who were not offering their support.

She said: "It hurts because your family should really be there, but at this moment they are not there for us."

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