her so they could claim the money being offered for her return. Karen admits to Freeman to knowing Donovan but still denies involvement in the crime. Two weeks after Shannon is found, Craig is arrested after child pornography is found on his computer. Karen's other children are subsequently taken into care. A week later Natalie, still suspicious due to Shannon being found at Donovan's house and Karen being seemingly emotionless at Shannon being found, convinces Julie to come with her to confront Karen. Julie and Natalie meet up with Karen and Freeman in Freeman's car, and a hysterical Karen confesses to knowing where Shannon was during the time she was missing. Karen is arrested and charged with child neglect and perverting the course of justice. Feeling betrayed, Natalie and other residents of the estate turn against Julie. When Freeman tells Julie that Karen has continued to change her story, Julie visits Karen in custody and tries to persuade her to tell the truth, but Karen continues to blame Donovan for the crime. When Karen and Donovan are put on trial in November, Karen is accused of conspiring with Donovan to fake Shannon's kidnapping in order to claim the reward money, but Karen continues to deny this. Natalie and Julie are called to give statements at the witness stand. Natalie expresses disgust at Karen's actions and lies, while Julie calls Karen "weak, cowardly and a liar" but states that Karen has been "damaged" by years of abuse. Julie adds that she still stands by Karen and will not join in with the "lynch mob" of people who scrutinise Karen to feel better about themselves. Karen and Donovan are found guilty of the kidnapping and false imprisonment of Shannon and perverting the course of justice, and are sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. After Karen is sent to prison, Natalie moves out of the Moorside estate, having split from her husband. Natalie tells Julie that although she can never forgive Karen for what she did, she still admires Julie for standing by Karen. The aftermath of the events portrayed in the drama are detailed as the drama closes: Julie continued to visit Karen in prison until her release in April 2012. Cast Sheridan Smith as Julie Bushby Gemma Whelan as Karen Matthews Sian Brooke as Natalie Brown Tom Hanson as Craig Meehan Faye McKeever as Petra Jamieson John Dagleish as 'Scouse' Pete Brown