Oldham woman jailed for life for poisoning son with anti-depressants
Claire Scanlon's Huntington's Disease means she's unlikely to serve her minimum 18 year term
Last updated 14th Jul 2023
A mum from Oldham’s been jailed for life after poisoning her own son with anti-depressants.
38-year-old Claire Scanlan was found guilty of murder by a jury at Manchester's Minshull Crown Court earlier this week.
On New Year's Eve 2021, Scanlon was arrested after giving her son Dylan a fatal overdose of anti-depressant medication.
At 6.15pm that evening she left her house on Elm Road in Oldham, ran to her uncle's house opposite and told them that her son, Dylan, was not breathing or moving.
Members of her family went over to her house and found Dylan lifeless in a double bed in the main bedroom of the house with numerous bruises on his face and body.
A neighbour had heard both Claire and Dylan's voices through the wall at 2 am that morning, which was the last time he was heard alive.
In the days leading up to his death, Scanlon had sent her ex-partner, Dylan's father, abusive messages and voicemails telling him he would never see his son again.
Police found a note in the house that suggested she had planned for both herself and Dylan to die.
She gave different reasons for his bruises to family and to the paramedics to cover for the fact she had beaten him and given him her anti-depressants.
Toxicological analysis showed that Dylan had been poisoned with Mirtazapine, an anti-depressant which was prescribed to Claire Scanlon. He had a level of the drug in his system which was nine times what would be fatal in an adult. He also had a significant number of bruises to his head and body.
She's been handed a minimum term of 18 years, although she's unlikely to survive to serve that time, because she suffers from the incurable Huntington's Disease.
Judge Mrs Justice Yip said the fact Scanlon has Huntington's reduced her culpability, but said she'd shown no remorse and only felt sorry for herself.
Scalon refused to appear via video link from Guild Lodge, a secure psychiatric hospital in Lancashire, which the judge said was disappointing.
In a statement read out on his behalf Dylan’s brother Shawn said he will always love his mum but doesn’t want her to be able to hurt anyone else.
He also said the guilty verdict has brought closure and hopes he will now be able to move on with his life.
The judge said a copy of the family’s victim impact statements should be sent to her for her to reflect on.
Senior Investigating Officer Phil Reade said:
“Our thoughts remain with those who knew and loved Dylan – particularly his dad and brother. We understand the conclusion of criminal proceedings will not heal their broken hearts but we do hope that this brings them a step closer to closure and gives them a sense of relief.”
Dylan’s father Gary Keenan said:
“I would like to thank all my family and friends for the love and support they have offered, during what can only be described as the worst time in our lives.
"Dylan was cruelly taken away from us on New Years Eve in 2021 by the one person who was supposed to love and protect him. He will be missed every minute of every day, and we cannot put into words how difficult it’s been to endure the trial and to listen to how Dylan came to his death.
"We would like to thank Greater Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service, who have been so supportive and guided us through the investigation and trial.”