Dewsbury kidnapper Karen Matthews gets parenting lessons in prison

According to a national newspaper, Matthews is learning to manage budgets, kit out a flat and even bake fairy cakes.

Matthews, of Moorside Road, Dewsbury Moor was jailed for eight years in January 2009 for her part in the kidnap of her nine-year-old daughter Shannon.

Shannon went missing for 24 days in 2008 and was found hidden the Batley Carr home of Michael Donovan, an uncle of Matthew’s partner Craig Meehan.

It was reported that Matthews was taking part in a resettlement programme in prison to help her prepare for early release next year.

She was said to be learning how to be more responsible with tasks including choosing items for a home with a pretend budget of £500 and an Argos catalogue.