Olga Freeman: Mum who killed son in lockdown breakdown given indefinite hospital detention

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A "devoted" mother who killed her disabled son during a mental breakdown in lockdown will be detained indefinitely in hospital for treatment, a judge has ruled.

Olga Freeman, 40, killed her ten-year-old son Dylan at their home in Acton, west London, before handing herself to police and claiming the killing had been “divine will”.

She had reached out repeatedly to the local council and social services, warning she was “feeling forgotten” as she struggled to cope with the care demands and was worried her mental health was deteriorating.

At the Old Bailey today, Mrs Justice Cheema Grubb ordered that Freeman should be detained indefinitely in hospital where she can received mental health treatment.

“It is clear you did what you did while in the grip of a serious mental illness”, said the judge. “You remain gravely ill.

“This is one of those rare and desperately sad cases where a devoted parent commits an act of violence towards a precious, innocent, beloved child while completely out of their right mind.”

Dylan, her son with celebrity photographer Dean Freeman, had autism and a range of conditions affecting his behaviour, sight, and communication, which meant he needed 24-hour care.

His place at a special needs school was withdrawn due to the pandemic and Freeman’s pleas for him to be re-admitted were dismissed, the court heard.

The judge found Freeman “struggled with the burden” of caring for her son during lockdown, hailing her “strength of character” in fighting for support for Dylan prior to her breakdown.

“I have no doubt at all you were a remarkable, loving and dedicated mother for your child until your mind was swamped by a depressive illness”, she said, imposing a hospital order on Freeman without limit of time.

Earlier, prosecutor Gareth Patterson QC said an independent serious case review was underway into the handling of Freeman’s case, investigating alleged failures to offer sufficient support to the struggling mother.

“Ealing Council’s role will no doubt be considered elsewhere, and we understand that there is a multi-agency serious case review, under an independent chair, which is expected to conclude shortly”, said Mr Patterson.

“However, what is clear from the police investigation is that the council seems to have been slow in determining the defendant’s request for increased financial assistance, at the material times the defendant felt let-down by the council, and the role of the council seems to have been a further source of stress for her at what was a very difficult time.”

Freeman, who had a history of depression and anxiety, killed Dylan on August 15 last year by throttling him and blocking his airway with a sponge, leaving his body surrounded by his favourite toys and tucked under a duvet.

She had told a neighbour she “had been chosen by God to save the world” and referenced Luc Besson film Anna, about a Russian woman who turns into an assassin while “wanting to escape her trapped life”, Mr Patterson said.

He said Freeman had spoken to a doctor in July, around a month before the killing, asking if she could access any added support in the care of her son.

“The doctor wrote a strong letter that day seeking more care hours for Dylan for a mother who was ‘really struggling to manage his care’ as the carer was only present 12 hours a week”, said the prosecutor.

The doctor described Freeman as “clearly exhausted”, adding: “She is worried about falling asleep when she sits in the bath to relax. She is also worried about burning out without more support. I would strongly support her request for more care hours while Dylan is not able to go to school. I hope you are able to support her with this.”

A week later another doctor wrote to social services saying Freeman “has struggled in lockdown and this has been a constant topic in all the school and health contacts. I would support any increase in package even if temporary for this case.”  

In an impact statement today, Ms Freeman’s ex-husband Dean said he believes UK governments have failed people with mental health difficulties and special needs, leaving them “without a voice”.

“In his view in this country, the government and past governments have under-supported people with mental health conditions and special needs”, said Mr Patterson. “He feels there is inadequate support and funding, and that the death of his son is a clear reminder to him of this.”

Payments from Ealing Council were increased in March last year to cover 16 hours of care a week for Dylan, the court heard.

Her repeated requests for more support had been under active consideration by the local authority for more than a month prior to the killing.

Freeman has admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, and is due to be sentenced later by Mrs Justice Cheema Grubb.  

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