'Twisted kidnapper's death is Karma'

Published date19 April 2024
Publication titleHuddersfield Daily Examiner
Julie Bushby, from Dewsbury, was chair of the Moorside tenants and residents association at the time Shannon disappeared in 2008

Shannon was snatched by evil Michael Donovan - her stepfather's uncle - in a fake kidnap plot concocted with Shannon's mum Karen.

The nine-year-old was missing for 24 days before she was found hidden in the base of a divan bed at Donovan's flat just a mile from her home in Dewsbury Moor.

Donovan died in a Keighley hospital on Tuesday after being diagnosed with cancer.

He had apparently collapsed in the secure mental health hospital where he had been for six years after his release from prison in 2012.

Julie - who persuaded mum Karen to confess to the plot - has reacted to news of Donovan's death.

The court worker said Donovan's death was "Karma."

Julie, who was played by Sheridan Smith in the ITV drama Moorside about the kidnap, said on hearing the news: "It's such a shame, couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke. At least now the taxpayer will save some money.

"After he was released from prison he got rearrested in Leeds city centre. Between him...

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