A MOTHER has admitted killing her seven-year-old son but denies his murder.

Christina Acres, 37, appeared at Basildon Crown Court today where she denied one count of murdering George Acres on July 23 last year.

A jury heard Acres admits she killed her son at a family home in Rochford Garden Way but claims she did not murder him by reason if insanity.

Acres appeared at court behind reinforced glass dressed in black.

She spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and deny murder.

Judge Christina Lambert told the jury two expert psychiatrists believe she is not guilty by reason of insanity, and that the prosecution and defence also believe the same.

Addressing the jury, she said: “It’s unusual and is very, very sad.

“The defendant Christina Acres is charged with the murder of her son George Acres in July last year.

“She does not dispute that she killed him but the question you are going to have to decide is whether or not she is not guilty of murder by reason of insanity.

“The prosecution and defence are in agreement that Christina Acres is not guilty by reason of insanity.

“You will hear from two psychiatrists in this trial.

“Both agree that because of the mental illness affecting her she is not guilty by reason of insanity.

“If you decide you are not satisfied she is not guilty of murder by reason of insanity, then you must go on to consider not whether she is guilty of murder, but whether she is guilty of manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

“The reason you are here is only a jury can return a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.”

George Acres was found unconscious at his home in Rochford Garden Way on July 23 last year, and died later in hospital.

The trial continues...