THE mother of a five-year-old boy who died at his family's Thurrock home just before Christmas, is to face a trial later this year.

Claire Button, of Windstar Drive in South Ockendon, has been charged with the murder of Lincoln Button.

An inquest into Lincoln's death was opened and adjourned at Chelmsford Coroner's Court last week.

Button, 36, appeared at Basildon Crown Court today (Monday, 20 January).

She did not enter a plea and is set to stand trial from 19 May.

Button, who is remanded in custody, is also due to appear before the court for an administrative hearing one day in the week commencing 7 April.