Karen Matthews’ fiancé is a paedophile who was caged for five years for abusing a vulnerable girl
KAREN Matthews’ fiancé is a convicted paedophile, who was jailed for five years for abusing a vulnerable girl.
Paul Saunders, 57, admitted engaging in sexual activity with a child, making indecent images of a child and two counts of sexual assault.
His victim said after his crimes were uncovered: “I feel like dirt. He makes me sick. I want him to pay.
“He should die. I hate him. I just want to get on with my life knowing that he will never be around here ever again.”
Our exclusive pictures showed Matthews flashing her engagement ring while the pair were out shopping.
She met her handyman fiancé when he did odd jobs at her home and he proposed over Christmas.
Matthews, jailed for faking daughter Shannon’s abduction, met Paul after moving to a secret home in the South of England following her release.
She has told him who she is but he seems unconcerned by her notorious past.
He proposed over Christmas and pals have described them as “inseparable”.
'I HATE HIM'
But we can now reveal he is a convicted paedophile who was jailed for five years in 2010.
He had been working as a driver taking the elderly to hospital and disabled teenagers to college.
Back in January 2010 Oxford Crown Court heard his offences took place between 2006 and 2009 when his victim was aged between 15 and 17.
Saunders, of Blackbird Leys, Oxfordshire, was only caught after he was jailed for eight weeks for benefit fraud in May the previous year.
Photographs of the victim were found on his mobile phone.
He was jailed for five years and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
He should die. I hate him. I just want to get on with my life knowing that he will never be around here ever again.
Paul's victim
After the case his victim’s mother said: “I went barmy, to say the least. I’m sickened and disgusted by it.”
She added she had known Saunders for several years and said: “He thought he was the big man and made people afraid of him.
“He was a bully who wouldn’t stand up to a bloke but would to a female and kids.”
A source told The Sun: “She is in love with him. Both of them have been walking round like teenagers.
“The ring is like Princess Diana’s design. She apparently bought it herself with money she saved.
“He knows who she is but he can’t be bothered about her past. He’s been staying over pretty often.
“I just think it’s disgusting that anyone could want to be in a relationship with her.”
VILE MUM
Matthews’ daughter Shannon was discovered by police under a bed at the home of Michael Donovan — the uncle of her mum’s boyfriend.
Matthews and Donovan dreamt up the fake kidnap to try to claim a £50,000 reward for her daughter’s safe return.
The vile mum was released with a new ID in April 2012 after serving half her sentence.
When The Sun knocked on Matthews’ door to try to talk to her and Paul, he answered in a tracksuit.
He initially denied knowing her. But when shown a picture of them together, he raged: “It’s got nothing to do with anybody. I’m not saying nothing. It’s about time the Press kept their noses out of other people’s business.
“If you come knocking on this door again I will forcibly remove you. If you put anything in the paper about me, I will sue you.”
