A MOTHER who drowned her seven-year-old son has been cleared of murder by reason of insanity.
In a killing a High Court judge described as “desperately sad”, Christina Acres killed her seven-year-old son George at the family home in Rochford on July 23 last year.
Police presence - cops cordoned off the Rochford Garden Way home immediately after George's death
Mrs Acres, 37, of Rochford Garden Way, appeared in the dock dressed in black and surrounded by health care workers.
She did not react as Justice Christina Lambert ordered her to be detained indefinitely for treatment at Brockfield House, a forensic mental health facility in Runwell where she had already been receiving treatment.
Investigation - the home in Rochford Garden Way
Mrs Acres drowned George in a bathtub believing she was saving him “from a fate worse than death”.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Truss, of Kent and Essex’s Serious Crime Directorate, said: “On July 23, 2018, the Acres family was shattered through this wholly tragic incident.
“The loss of a child will always be devastating and the death of George will leave the family in pain for some time.
"It is clear that at the time of the incident Christina Acres was not well.
“She has been found not guilty today by reason of insanity and will receive the treatment and care that she needs."
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