'THAT'S PATHETIC' EXCLUSIVE Shannon mum hits back at claim she should be sterilised.

Byline: By LUCY THORNTON

SHANNON Matthews' mother yesterday branded Tory councillor John Ward "pathetic" for claiming jobless mums should be sterilised.

Mum-of-seven Karen Matthews, 32, said: "It's disgusting people can say these things."

Karen, 32, whose nine-year-old daughter was missing for 24 days, stormed: "I couldn't believe anyone would say something like this.

"It left me fuming because it's hurtful and pathetic. " "As a matter of fact, not that it's anyone's business but I've already been sterilised.

"I actually got it done about two years ago, just after I had my last child, Courtney."

Mr Ward, a 58-year-old bachelor, prompted comparisons with Hitler and calls for his resignation after attacking "professional spongers" who "breed for greed" in an entry on his Internet blog. Of Ward's comments on how she had seven children by five fathers, Karen said: "It's horrible... pathetic."

Shannon is in foster care as she helps police with inquiries. Karen said she had not heard when she was to return home, but could not wait to see her again.

Mr Ward has removed the original comments from his website blog and said he was sorry for any problems.

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DISGUSTED: Karen