Mother in court charged with murder of disabled son, 10
THE mother of a 10-year-old boy appeared in court yesterday charged with his murder as his father spoke of his grief at the death of a “beautiful child”.
Olga Freeman, 40, is accused of murdering Dylan Freeman, who was disabled and said to suffer from severe autism.
Officers discovered the boy’s body at their home in Acton in west London in the early hours of Sunday morning.
In a moving tribute, Dean Freeman, a celebrated photographer, said: “Dylan was a beautiful, bright, inquisitive and artistic child who loved to travel, visit art galleries and swim. We travelled extensively over the years together spending such memorable time in places including Brazil, France and Spain. I can’t begin to comprehend his loss.”
Mr Freeman, who was divorced from his wife and now lives in Spain, is best known for photographs of celebrities including David Beckham and the Spice Girls, while in a 2011 dedication to his wife and son in a book of photographs of the singer Michael Buble, he wrote: “Love to my amazing wife Olga and son Dylan. You are my world.”
Mr Freeman’s father – the dead child’s grandfather – Robert Freeman, who died last year, was one of the greatest music photographers of his generation and responsible for some of the most famous album covers, including The Beatles’ Rubber Soul and four more of the band’s album sleeves.
Mrs Freeman, 40, originally from Russia, was escorted into the dock by three female security guards as she appeared at Uxbridge magistrates’ court yesterday afternoon.
When asked to confirm her name by the court clerk, she stood and answered “yes”.
Mrs Freeman is charged with the murder of Dylan on or before Sunday and during the five-minute hearing was told her offence can only be heard at the Crown Court. Mrs Freeman, who did not request bail, will next appear at the Old Bailey tomorrow.
Judy Gregg, the chief magistrate, said: “Ms Freeman we will send you to the Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey and you will be produced there on Wednesday 19 in two days’ time.”
Mrs Freeman and her son had moved to the flat in Acton in 2018. It is registered solely in Olga Freeman’s name and was bought without a mortgage.
A former neighbour said yesterday that Dylan had suffered from a number of disabilities and described his mother as “very caring”.
Andrew Wright, an NHS speech and language therapist who lived near the family in Acton, said: “Dylan was lowfunctioning autistic and had a severe degenerative sight condition which meant he was losing his sight. He was going blind. He had sight but it was declining rapidly.”
Mr Wright, 52, said Dylan also had severe problems with his cognitive development but was able to walk, although photographs have also emerged of him in a wheelchair.
Mr Wright said the boy’s mother had asked him for advice on speech therapies and added: “She was a very pleasant
‘Dylan was a beautiful, bright, inquisitive and artistic child who loved to travel, visit art galleries and swim. I can’t begin to comprehend his loss’
‘He is a kid with complex special needs but was never in obvious distress and enjoyed looking around’
person to talk to. She seemed to be very caring.”
Mr Wright said: “Given the extent of his personal difficulties he seemed to be a cheerful and happy boy.
“He is a kid with very complex special needs but was never in obvious distress and seemed to enjoy looking around and looking at his environment.”
Reverend Nick Jones, 61, the rector of Acton, who lives on the same street, said news of the boy’s death was “shattering”, adding: “I’m still shaking a bit, it’s hugely upsetting.”