THE jury in the trial of a woman accused of murdering her autistic young son has retired to consider its verdict.

Claire Button, 35, has admitted killing five-year-old Lincoln at their home in South Ockendon, Essex, on 15 December last year, but denies murder.

Basildon Crown Court has heard evidence from Ms Button's husband, her mother and two psychiatrists as well as the defendant herself, who said a voice in her head told her to take her own life as well as her son's.

During the course of the trial, the jury was told about Ms Button's diagnosis of depression in August last year, and the struggles she faced over the following months.

Lincoln was described in court as a "high maintenance, highly demanding" child who had been diagnosed with autism, developmental delay and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), who Mrs Button was struggling to cope with.