A mother who strangled her severely autistic son and then attempted suicide was suffering from a build-up of pressure, according to crown prosecutors.
Yvonne Freaney, 49, a mother of four, used her coat belt to choke 11-year-old Glen at the £40-a-night Sky Plaza Hotel in Rhoose, near Cardiff Airport, last May.
The jury at Cardiff Crown Court heard that Freaney, described as a “loving, devoted mother”, moved out of the family home in Penarth, South Wales, because she and ex-RAF officer husband Mark, 48, had marital problems. After leaving her husband in March 2010 and taking Glen with her, she stayed in a series of hotels.
The court heard how Freaney was struggling to find somewhere to live and was facing a lifetime of ‘one-to-one’ care for her disabled son after her marriage broke down.
Prosecutor Greg Taylor QC told the jury that Glen was totally dependent on the care of an adult and that Mrs Freaney was suffering from “a build-up of pressure”. According to Taylor, Glen required 1:1 help with washing, dressing and eating.
It is alleged that after strangling her son, she laid him out on the bed surrounded by his favourite cuddly toys. When she was sure he was dead, she attempted to kill herself.
Police and paramedics found Freaney alive, holding the hand of her son. She is alleged to have later told police: “I had to do it. No-one else would look after him.”
She had multiple stab wounds and had left suicide notes for her three other children aged 14 to 23, telling them how much she loved them and wishing them good luck in the future. One note left for her son Ross read: “You may not understand what has happened, but just think of it as I am finally getting rest.”
Freaney denies murder, but has admitted manslaughter. She has been remanded in custody by magistrates in Barry, South Wales.
Published: 10 May 2011
