Karen Matthews, who was jailed for her role in the 2008 hoax kidnapping of her daughter Shannon, is reportedly facing a new legal battle over her benefits. The case, which is the subject of a forthcoming BBC drama, has drawn renewed attention to Matthews' actions.
Matthews was convicted in 2008 for kidnapping, false imprisonment, and perverting the course of justice after she and an accomplice hid Shannon for 24 days. The plot was motivated by a £50,000 reward offered by The Sun newspaper. Matthews was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Now, according to reports, Matthews is involved in a legal dispute with the Department for Work and Pensions over her benefit claims. The details of the case are not yet fully known, but it is understood that Matthews is challenging a decision regarding her entitlement to certain benefits.
The BBC is set to air a drama about the Shannon Matthews case, which has been criticised by Matthews' grandparents as 'sick and disgusting'. The drama will recount the events surrounding the hoax kidnapping and the subsequent police investigation.
