MOTHER WHO SUFFOCATED DISABLED SON WITH SPONGE DETAINED
A mother who caused the suffocation of her disabled 10-year-old son after reaching her breaking point during the COVID-19 lockdown has been committed to a hospital indefinitely.Dylan Freeman was discovered dead in Acton, west London, on August 16, with a sponge placed in his mouth.
His mother, Olga Freeman, admitted to the Old Bailey to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
The judge said Dylan was "an indirect victim of interruption to normal life caused by the Covid-19 pandemic." Freeman received a hospital order under the Mental Health Act, with no specified time limit.
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb described the case as "exceptional and profoundly sorrowful." Dylan had autism and Cohen syndrome, which is associated with anomalies in multiple bodily systems, along with severe language and communication difficulties.
Prosecutor Gareth Patterson QC explained that Dylan required constant care and attended a specialised school five days a week, but the lockdown prevented him from going during that period.
The court heard that this situation significantly distressed Freeman.
Mr Patterson added: "Last year during the first lockdown and through the summer she struggled more and more with her son.
"Eventually she suffered a mental health breakdown." Police discovered Dylan in a bedroom, lying on his back and covered with a duvet, after Freeman entered a police station and reported that she had killed her child.
A post-mortem revealed he died from airway obstruction caused by sponge fragments stuffed into his mouth.
Psychiatrist Dr.
Martin Lock stated that Freeman developed psychotic symptoms under extreme stress related to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Requests for additional support in caring for Dylan were reportedly delayed by Ealing Council, which appeared to be slow in responding, the court learned.
Mr Patterson mentioned that the council’s slow response to her requests for financial aid left Freeman feeling abandoned.
A serious case review was anticipated to be completed soon.
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb sentenced Freeman, acknowledging that the care burden had pushed her to her limit.
She added: "I have no doubt at all that you were a remarkably loving and dedicated mother to a vulnerable child until multiple pressures overwhelmed you and your mind was swamped by a destructive illness with florid psychotic elements." Following the sentencing, Ealing Council confirmed that Dylan received a total of 30 hours of care weekly, with 16 hours funded by the council.
