Woman accused of killing her disabled son had been prescribed antidepressants just before his death, inquest hears

A woman accused of killing her severely disabled son had been prescribed antidepressants just before his death.

Ten-year-old Dylan Freeman died on Sunday August 16 after his airways had been restricted, West London Coroner's Court heard.

His mother and primary carer, Olga Freeman, appeared at the Old Bailey last week accused of his murder and will appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on November 4.

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".

He was in Spain when his son died.

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.”

He said the mother and her friend went to Acton police station in west London.

Police and paramedics went to Dylan's home in Cumberland Park, Acton, where he was found dead.

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.