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In the first episode of British Murders Season 4, I tell the tragic story of Olga Freeman and her son Dylan Freeman.
During the UK's first Coronavirus lockdown, Olga Freeman, who had a history of suffering from depression and anxiety, had a complete mental breakdown.
Her son, Dylan, who had been diagnosed with autism, global neurodevelopmental delay, progressive myopia and significant difficulties with language and communication, self-help and independence, required around the clock care.
After Dylan's special school closed during the first national lockdown and Olga was only receiving around 12 hours a week's worth of assistance from her friend to help care for her son, Olga was at her wits’ end.
On August 15, 2020, Olga killed Dylan, placed his body where he liked to sleep and surrounded him with his toys.
On February 11, 2021, Olga was handed a hospital order without a limit of time, which means she will be detained in a psychiatric hospital indefinitely.
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Intro music:
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'
https://linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic
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Shure SM7B Vocal Microphone: https://amzn.to/3F1Jkkj
Cloud Microphone Cloudlifter CL1: https://amzn.to/2XZicC8
Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3kKCLL2
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Recorded and Edited in:
Audacity
Mastered in:
Auphonic
References:
Acton local history. (n.d.). Ealing Council. Retrieved September 27, 2021, from https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201130/area_history/792/acton_local_history/1
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust. (2021, February). Admission to hospital by a hospital order with restrictions (Sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983). The Patient Information Centre. https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/content/uploads/2021/02/Section-3741.pdf
Dylan Freeman: Murder accused mum “admitted killing.” (2020, August 25). BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-53904823
Dylan Freeman: Murder accused mum’s son “died from restricted airways.” (2020, August 19). BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-53833604
Kirk, T. (2021a, January 25). Ex-wife of celebrity photographer admits killing disabled son when vital care was withdrawn during lockdown. Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/olga-freeman-guilty-killing-disabled-son-acton-b900984.html
Kirk, T. (2021b, February 11). Olga Freeman: Mum who killed son in lockdown breakdown given indefinite hospital detention. Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/lockdown-mental-health-olga-freeman-killed-son-dean-freeman-b919420.html
Menendez, E. (2020, August 17). Mother, 40, charged with murder of son, 10. Metro. https://metro.co.uk/2020/08/17/mother-40-charged-murder-son-10-13137696/
Mother who suffocated disabled son sentenced to indefinite hospital order. (2021, February 11). Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/mother-who-suffocated-disabled-son-sentenced-to-indefinite-hospital-order-12215166
Quinn, B. (2021, February 11). UK woman who killed disabled son detained in hospital indefinitely. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/feb/11/olga-freeman-uk-woman-who-killed-disabled-son-detained-in-hospital-indefinitely
Sales, D., Chaudhary, V., Duell, M., & Odling, G. (2020, August 17). Mother charged with murdering her autistic son, 10, is pictured arriving at court as her ex-husband the Celebrity photographer Dean Freeman pays tribute to his ’beautiful and “bright” boy. Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8634447/Woman-40-charged-murdering-celebrity-photographers-10-year-old-disabled-son.html
Secret London: Acton. (n.d.). TravelStay.Com. Retrieved September 27, 2021, from https://www.travelstay.com/new/secret-london/Secret-Acton.htm
Timeline of UK coronavirus lockdowns, March 2020 to March 2021. (2021, March). Institute for Government analysis. https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/sites/default/files/timeline-lockdown-web.pdf
Tyler, A. (2020, August 17). Who is Olga Freeman? Wiki, Biography, Age, Family, Charged, Killing a Boy, Arrested, Investigation Report. Wikibious. https://wikibious.com/olga-freeman/
