Mother accused of murdering son, 10, in Acton 'called friend to admit killing', inquest hears
An inquest is opened into the death of Dylan Freeman, whose mother Olga Freeman has appeared in court accused of his murder.
Tuesday 25 August 2020 12:52, UK
A woman who allegedly murdered her 10-year-old son called a friend in the early hours of the morning to say she had killed him, an inquest has heard.
Dylan Freeman, who was severely disabled, was found dead at his home in Acton, west London, after his airways had been restricted by a sponge, a coroner's court was told.
His mother and primary carer, Olga Freeman, appeared at the Old Bailey last week accused of his murder.
Opening the inquest into Dylan's death, senior coroner for west London, Chinyere Inyama, 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."
The coroner said the mother and her friend went to Acton police station and told them what had happened.
Police and paramedics went to Dylan's home in Cumberland Park, Acton, on 16 August 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 on Tuesday.
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".
The mother is due to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Old Bailey on 4 November.