Mother of Dylan Freeman rang friend to say she had killed disabled son, inquest hears
The mother of Dylan Freeman called a friend in the early hours of the morning to say she had killed her severely disabled son, an inquest has heard.
Ten-year-old Dylan died on Sunday, August 16 after his airways had been restricted by a sponge, West London Coroner’s Court heard.
His mother and primary carer, Olga Freeman, appeared at the Old Bailey last week accused of his murder.
Senior coroner Chinyere Inyama, opening the inquest on Tuesday morning, said the mother had recently been prescribed antidepressant tablets.
He said Dylan had autism, Cohen syndrome – which affects many parts of the body – and other issues.
Mr Inyama said: “His mother appeared to be his sole and primary carer, she had recently been put on antidepressants.
“His mother called a friend in the early hours to state to the friend that she killed her son.”
He said the mother and her friend went to Acton police station in west London and told them what had happened.
Police and paramedics went to Dylan’s home in Cumberland Park, Acton, where he was found dead.
The coroner said it appeared he had been administered a sleeping aid and had a sponge placed in his mouth, tied with a strap.
His body was identified four days later by his headteacher.
The preliminary cause of death was given as restriction of the airways.
There was no other evidence of injuries caused by assault or restraint, the coroner said during the eight-minute hearing.
Mr Inyama adjourned the inquest until March 2021, pending the outcome of any legal proceedings.
Dylan’s father, celebrity photographer Dean Freeman, last week described his son as “a beautiful, bright, inquisitive and artistic child who loved to travel, visit art galleries and swim”.
Olga Freeman is due to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Old Bailey on November 4.
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