Mother Found Guilty of Murdering Autistic Son

Strategic Insights -

Claire Button, 35, from South Ockendon, has been convicted of murdering her 5-year-old autistic son, Lincoln Button. The trial at Basildon Crown Court heard that Button claimed a voice in her head had compelled her to kill her son, but she denied murder on grounds of mental illness. The jury rejected her defense, finding her guilty of murder. Button's mental health history was a key factor in the trial, with evidence suggesting she had struggled to cope with her son's behavioral issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • Claire Button, 35, from South Ockendon, was found guilty of murdering her 5-year-old autistic son, Lincoln Button.
  • Button claimed a voice in her head had compelled her to kill her son, but denied murder on grounds of mental illness.
  • The jury rejected her defense, finding her guilty of murder.
  • Button's mental health history included a diagnosis of depression and struggles to cope with her son's behavioral issues.
  • Psychiatrist Dr. Frank Farnham testified that the voice Button heard was a symptom of psychosis and depression.
  • The prosecution questioned whether Button's symptoms met the threshold for diminished responsibility.
  • Button will be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on October 17.

Statistics:

  • Age of the victim: 5 years old
  • Age of the defendant: 35 years old
  • Time since the crime was discovered: approximately 10 months (December 15 to October 17)
  • Number of years Judge Samantha Leigh has presided over trials: 30 years

Sources:

  • "Mother guilty of murdering autistic son" from an unknown news source
  • "Trial of Claire Button for the murder of her 5-year-old son" from Basildon Crown Court records.