Mum Admits Killing Her 5-Year-Old Son Lincoln – But Denies It Was Murder

A mum has admitted to killing her five-year-old son but insists she didn’t murder him. Claire Button, 35, appeared at Basildon Crown Court this week, where she pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied the more serious charge of murder.

Her little boy, Lincoln, was found dead at their home on Windstar Drive in South Ockendon on 15 December last year. Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving reports of serious concern for the welfare of both a child and a woman. Officers and paramedics desperately tried to save Lincoln, but tragically, it was too late, reported the Mirror.

Button herself was taken to the hospital shortly after the incident, before being taken in for questioning by the police. Not long after, she was officially charged with murder.

During a short hearing on Wednesday, April 9, Button confirmed her name, entered her pleas, and even thanked Judge Samantha Leigh before leaving court. A trial date has now been set for 29 September, when the court will hear the full details of what happened on that devastating day.

Lincoln’s death shocked the local community, with his family releasing a heartbreaking tribute to their “sweet, beautiful young soul.” They said: “’Link’ was a cherished, loved, sweet, beautiful young soul, was adored by all and will be sorely missed every day”, reported ITV.

The tragedy has left a lasting mark, especially at Bonnygate Primary School in South Ockendon, where Lincoln was a Year One pupil. The school described him as a “cheeky, smiley, happy boy who was loved by the school community.”

The case has raised many unanswered questions, and as it heads to trial later this year, more will hopefully come to light. For now, a grieving family and a heartbroken school are left with nothing but memories of a little boy taken far too soon.