October 5, 2025 – A court has heard that Claire Button, a mother from South Ockendon, Essex, smothered her five-year-old autistic son, Lincoln Brookes, to death before attempting to take her own life, overwhelmed by the pressures of caring for him. The tragic incident was discovered by Lincoln’s father, Nicky, when he returned home from work.
What Happened
On the afternoon of December 15, 2024, Lincoln Brookes, a five-year-old boy diagnosed with autism and learning difficulties, was found dead at home by his father, Nicky. The discovery was made after Lincoln’s mother, Claire Button, had smothered him. A note was found next to Lincoln’s body with the words “DNR – do not resuscitate,” and another note that read, “He does not fit in the world and where he doesn’t fit I don’t either.”
The court was told that Button had been struggling with the responsibilities of caring for her son, despite the support of her family and a mental health diagnosis. Button’s mother, who lived nearby, had trained as a carer to help look after Lincoln. The family had a strong support network, but Claire Button’s mental health deteriorated further in 2024, leading to the tragic events.
Struggles with Mental Health and Caregiving
Jurors were informed that Button had been diagnosed with depression and had sought help in the summer of 2024. She was prescribed medication, which appeared to improve her condition. However, Button’s mental health worsened again as school holidays approached. The pressure of caring for her son, particularly during school breaks, became too overwhelming for her.
On December 15, 2024, Button called 999 and told the operator she was about to take an overdose. At the time, she was with Lincoln but told the emergency handler that she was alone at home. Despite her distress, the operator informed her that it could take up to 10 hours for an ambulance to arrive. Tragically, when Lincoln’s father returned home, he found his son deceased.
Legal Proceedings
Button, 35, was taken to the hospital after attempting to take her own life and was later arrested on suspicion of murder. Andrew Jackson, the prosecutor, stated that the challenges of caring for an autistic child had caused Button to become depressed, leading to her tragic decision to murder her son.
Button has pleaded not guilty to murder but has previously admitted to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. The trial continues as the court examines the circumstances surrounding Lincoln’s death and Button’s state of mind at the time.
Public and Social Reactions
The case has sparked widespread sorrow and discussions on the challenges faced by parents and caregivers of children with autism and other special needs. Many have expressed sympathy for both Lincoln’s tragic death and Button’s struggle with her mental health. The community has been left grappling with the devastating impact of this case.
What Happens Next
The trial is ongoing, with Button’s legal team and the prosecution continuing to present evidence and testimony. The court is expected to deliberate on whether Button’s actions were a result of her mental health struggles or whether they constituted murder. Further updates will be provided as the trial progresses.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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