Shannon mother in new probe about McCann fund

What a task the police have in unravelling the complicated life of Karen Matthews, the mother of the schoolgirl Shannon, who disappeared for three weeks. Ms Matthews is now seemingly involved in a request for cash from the Madeleine McCann fund. It may be rash to jump to conclusions, but all the latest twists and turns would indicate that the police have always thought that this was not a normal kidnapping.

It should not be forgotten that a nine-year girl has been removed from what is at best a dysfunctional family. I don't know how many families are like this one, but just by keeping my eyes open, I don't find it hard to come across similar situations. As a society, I think we should be trying to revert to raising children within stable families and not encouraging such "freedom" to flourish.