A woman has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of the murder of her autistic son. Claire Button, who acknowledged the killing of five-year-old Lincoln at their residence in South Ockendon, Essex, on December 15 last year, was found guilty of the crime by a jury at Basildon Crown Court.
During the trial, testimonies were provided by Ms. Button’s husband, her mother, two psychiatrists, and the defendant herself. She claimed that a voice in her head instructed her to end her life and her son’s. Following eight hours and four minutes of deliberation, the jury unanimously reached their verdict, causing Ms. Button to break down in tears.
Ms. Button, aged 35, has been informed that she will serve a minimum of nine years in prison. The prosecution raised doubts about whether her mental condition met the standards for manslaughter, highlighting her struggles with depression and the challenges she faced leading up to the incident.
The court learned that Lincoln, a non-verbal child with autism, developmental delay, and ADHD, attended Bonnygate Primary School. Described as a dedicated and caring mother by her family, Ms. Button faced overwhelming pressure, especially after Lincoln’s distressing episode following a visit to Lidl on the day of the tragedy.
Lincoln’s body was discovered at their home in South Ockendon, where Ms. Button claimed to have heard a compelling voice for the first time. Despite her call for emergency assistance, she was informed of a significant delay, leading her to believe she had to follow through with the act.
Dr. Frank Farnham, who assessed Ms. Button, asserted that her actions were a result of psychosis and depression, rather than premeditation. On the other hand, Dr. Raman Deo expressed a different opinion regarding the degree of Ms. Button’s mental impairment. The judge, acknowledging the complexity of the case, thanked the jurors for their service.
