Craig Meehan, 22, appeared at Dewsbury Magistrates' Court accused of possessing 140 indecent images of children, which were allegedly found on a computer at the home he shared with Karen Matthews.

Meehan denies the charges and the case was adjourned until May 21. He will stand trial at the same court at a later date.

Bespectacled Meehan was led into court in handcuffs and sat flanked by two security guards throughout the nine minute hearing. Wearing a black Manchester United top and a navy and white Fila jacket, he spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

A handful of friends and family watched the proceedings from the public gallery.

The supermarket fishmonger was arrested last month by officers investigating Shannon's disappearance. He is accused of 11 specimen offences of possession of indecent images of children.

It is alleged that Meehan possessed indecent images of children aged between four and 16, graded at levels one to four - on a scale where one is the least serious and five the most.

They were allegedly found on one of two computers at the family home in Dewsbury Moor, where he lived with Matthews, 32, for around five years.

Shannon went missing on February 19 and was discovered hidden in the base of a bed in a flat just one mile from her home after a 24 day search by police.

Meehan's uncle, Michael Donovan, 39, of Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, has been charged with Shannon's kidnap and imprisonment. He will go on trial at Leeds Crown Court on November 11 alongside Matthews, who is charged with child neglect and perverting the course of justice.