Tragic Death of Five-Year-Old Lincoln Button
A 35-year-old woman has been convicted of murdering her five-year-old son, Lincoln Button, at their home in South Ockendon, Essex.
Claire Button took Lincoln’s life on 15 December 2024 before attempting to kill herself. The boy, who was autistic, non-verbal, and lived with developmental delay and ADHD, was found by his father, Nicky Button, after returning from work.
Mum’s Struggle with Mental Health Revealed at Trial
At Basildon Crown Court, Claire Button told jurors she was battling severe mental health issues. She described hearing voices telling her, “we didn’t belong in this world,” and said she was overwhelmed by Lincoln’s behavioural challenges.
She spoke of a meltdown following a trip to Lidl on the morning of Lincoln’s death and revealed how suicidal thoughts took hold 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 said in court.
Family Pays Tribute to ‘Happy Kid’ Who Loved Trains
Lincoln’s father described Button as the “sweetest person you’ll ever meet” who had been “fighting demons.” He said she’d been diagnosed with depression in August 2024 and struggled daily to cope with Lincoln’s “high maintenance” needs.
Lincoln was a Year 1 pupil at Bonnygate Primary School and was described by family members as a joyful child who loved trains and his toys.
His grandmother said she believed Button “must have been going through hell” before the tragic incident.
Jury Rejects Manslaughter Plea – Life Sentence Pending
The jury took over eight hours to unanimously reject Button’s plea for manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility, instead convicting her of murder.
Judge Samantha Leigh called it “one of the most difficult cases” of her three-decade career and set sentencing for Friday.
Claire Button broke down in tears as the verdict was read out, marking a tragic end to a devastating family ordeal.
