Shannon Matthews’ father goes to High Court to block publication of official report

Leon Rose, who played no part in his daughter’s abduction, made his case at a hearing in London yesterday.

He said publishing in full an official report into the case would mean “upheaval” for Shannon as she continues to recover from her “ordeal”.

A summary of the report by Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board findings was published in 2010.

A redacted version of the full report was then due to be published, but Mr Rose gained an injuction to prevent this.

Anthony Hayden QC, representing Mr Rose, argued if the document was published, even in its redacted form, it would “seriously compromise the delicate progression of Shannon’s therapeutic work”.

Shannon, of Dewsbury Moor, made national headlines when she was reported missing in February 2008. She was found hidden under a bed in Batley Carr 24 days later.

Her mother, Karen, was jailed for plotting the then nine-year-old’s abduction along with her ex-boyfriend’s uncle, Michael Donovan, in 2009.

The hearing continues.