Mum jailed for murdering five-year-old son at home

Lincoln Button was an "all-round" happy kid who loved trains and his toys, his family said

A mother who murdered her five-year-old son while suffering a mental health crisis has been jailed for a minimum of nine years.

Claire Button, 35, attempted to take her own life after she killed her son, Lincoln, at the family home in South Ockendon, Essex, on 15 December.

She had been suffering from a mental disorder due to the "relentless demands" of the youngster, who was autistic and non-verbal, Basildon Crown Court heard.

Imposing the life sentence, Judge Samantha Leigh said Lincoln's death was avoidable and there had been "missed opportunities" for intervention.

The judge described the case as "one of the hardest I have heard in the last 30 years", branding it "truly heartbreaking".

Warning: This story contains distressing details

Jurors heard Button called the emergency services for help prior to the murder, but was told there was a 10-hour wait for help.

"She became so desperate, the lack of help and no 999 response was the final straw," Judge Leigh said.

"We all know resources are scarce, but that isn't good enough."

The court heard Button's mental state "spiralled" due to the "relentless demands" of her son.

She claimed to have started hearing voices in her head after a series of "meltdowns" Lincoln had in public.

"I accept she was desperate and couldn't see a way out of what was going on," Judge Leigh added.

However, she said Lincoln was especially vulnerable and there had been a clear abuse of trust.

Prosecutors also made the case that Button's level of mental illness did not substantially impair her judgement and rationality.

Lincoln Button was described in court as being attached to his mother

Lincoln's body was discovered by his father, Nicky, when he arrived at the family home in Windstar Drive after work.

He had been fatally smothered by Button, who claimed to have been hearing a "dark, deep, scary, demanding" voice instructing her to kill him.

"If it hadn't been for her husband returning home when he did, she would have died as well," Judge Leigh continued.

Button admitted killing Lincoln by manslaughter, but wept in the dock as jurors found her guilty of murder on Thursday.

Mark Cotter, mitigating, said a lack of help for Button created a "terrifying crisis for her".

"She undertook a huge amount for [Lincoln] and tried to make the best of a situation so challenging it was beyond the understanding and comprehension for most of us," he added.

During the trial, Lincoln was described by his dad and grandmother as having a love of trains and being attached to his mother.

Jamie Warren, a member of the family, told the BBC earlier this year he was an "all-round happy kid, who loved his toys".