Mum Claire Button jailed for murdering son Lincoln in Essex

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A mother has been sentenced to nine years in prison for the murder of her five-year-old son, Lincoln, at their home in South Ockendon, Essex. Claire Button, 35, took her own life after killing her son, who was autistic and non-verbal, on December 15. The court heard that Button was suffering from a mental disorder exacerbated by the demands of caring for Lincoln.

Judge Samantha Leigh delivered a life sentence to Button, calling Lincoln’s death preventable and highlighting missed opportunities for intervention. The judge described the case as one of the most challenging she had encountered in the past three decades, deeming it “truly heartbreaking”. Button had reached out to emergency services for help before the incident, but faced a 10-hour wait for assistance, leading to her profound desperation.

Button’s mental health deteriorated due to the relentless challenges posed by her son, culminating in a tragic outcome. She claimed to have heard distressing voices in her head following public meltdowns by Lincoln. Although Judge Leigh acknowledged Button’s desperation, she emphasized the vulnerability of Lincoln and the breach of trust in his mother’s actions. Prosecutors argued that Button’s mental illness did not significantly impair her judgment or rationality, further complicating the tragic events.

The discovery of Lincoln’s body by his father, Nicky, upon returning home from work highlighted the severity of the situation. He found Button and Lincoln outside their flat, with Button disclosing an unsettling voice instructing her to kill her son. Button admitted to manslaughter but was found guilty of murder by jurors. The court trial painted a picture of Lincoln as a joyful child with a deep love for trains and a strong attachment to his mother. Button’s defense emphasized the lack of support she received, underscoring the immense challenges she faced in caring for Lincoln

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