Mother admits killing five-year-old son Lincoln Button at Essex home

Lincoln Button was found at a property in South Ockendon, Essex, on Sunday December 15 and died at the scene. He was described as a "cheeky, smiley, happy boy". Credit: Essex Police handout.
Emergency services worked to save five-year-old Lincoln Button's life when they were called on 15 December. Credit: Family photo

A mother has admitted killing her five-year-old son at their home, but has denied his murder.

Claire Button, 35, is charged with the murder of her son Lincoln at their home in South Ockendon in Essex on 15 December.

Appearing at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday, Button, of Windstar Drive, denied murder but admitted manslaughter.

A trial was scheduled for 29 September.

Emergency services were called on the afternoon of 15 December, and police officers worked with paramedics to try to save Lincoln's life after receiving reports of serious concern for the welfare of a child and a woman.

Button was briefly taken to hospital before being interviewed by police, and charged with murder.

Shortly after the youngster's death, his family paid tribute, saying: "'Link’ was a cherished, loved, sweet, beautiful young soul who was adored by all and will be sorely missed every day.”

Bonnygate Primary School in South Ockendon, where Lincoln was a Year One pupil, described him as a cheeky, happy boy who was loved by the school community.

The school added: "His love for school, laughter and cuddles will be remembered and missed dearly."

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