Woman charged with son’s murder appears in crown court

Claire Button, 35, of Windstar Drive in South Ockendon, Essex, has made her initial appearance in crown court. She is formally charged with the murder of her five-year-old son, Lincoln Button, who was discovered deceased on 15 December. Attending the hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court via video link from HMP Peterborough, Ms Button’s only statement was to confirm her name. She has been ordered to remain in custody pending a plea hearing set for 20 January at Basildon Crown Court. No plea was sought from her during the recent hearing, and no request for bail was put forward. Essex Police reported that its personnel collaborated with paramedics in efforts to save Lincoln Button’s life. The police force had initially responded to an address on Windstar Drive after receiving alerts regarding significant concerns for the welfare of a child and a woman. Authorities confirmed that a woman was transported to hospital for medical attention and her health subsequently improved.