Mother in court accused of murdering young son

Lincoln Button was found unresponsive at his home on 15 December

A woman accused of the murder of her five-year-old son has appeared for another preliminary hearing in court.

Lincoln Button was found unresponsive at his home in South Ockendon, Essex, on 15 December 2024.

Claire Button, 35, of Windstar Drive, South Ockendon, was charged with his murder and appeared at Basildon Crown Court via video link from HMP Peterborough.

She is next due in court in the week commencing 7 April to enter a plea to the charge.

Ms Button, wearing a black sweatshirt, spoke only to confirm her name during the 25-minute hearing.

Judge Samantha Leigh told the defendant that medical reports and other documents would be prepared before the next hearing.

An inquest opening into Lincoln's death on 15 January said the cause was "undetermined pending further investigations".

Coroner Sonia Hayes adjourned the inquest until the criminal investigation into Ms Button concluded.