Mum Murdered Autistic Son Before Trying to Take Own Life
A 35-year-old woman has been found guilty of murdering her five-year-old son, Lincoln Button, at their Essex home.
Claire Button took the life of her autistic, non-verbal son on 15 December 2024 in South Ockendon. Lincoln’s father, Nicky Button, discovered the boy after returning home from work.
Desperate Mental Health Struggles Revealed at Trial
At Basildon Crown Court, Claire painted a chilling picture of her mental health battle. She told jurors she heard voices saying, “we didn’t belong in this world,” and felt crushed by Lincoln’s challenging behaviour.
She described a meltdown after a Lidl trip the morning of the killing and how suicidal urges took over when emergency services told her help would be delayed by 10 hours.
“I just thought the ambulance service didn’t want to help if they were going to take that long and the voice told me I had to go through with it,” she told the court.
Family Mourns ‘Happy Boy’ Who Loved Trains
Lincoln’s dad called Claire “the sweetest person you’ll ever meet” but admitted she was battling demons. Diagnosed with depression just months earlier, she struggled daily with Lincoln’s “high maintenance” needs.
Lincoln, a Year 1 pupil at Bonnygate Primary, was known for his love of trains and toys. His grandmother said Claire “must have been going through hell” before the tragedy.
Jury Rejects Manslaughter Defence — Murder Conviction Imminent
After more than eight hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously rejected Claire’s plea for manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. She was convicted of murder.
Judge Samantha Leigh called the case “one of the most difficult of her career” and scheduled sentencing for Friday.
Claire broke down in tears as the verdict was delivered, ending a heartbreaking family nightmare.
