Mum bought son McDonald’s Happy Meal before jumping to their deaths in Peak District reservoir

A schoolboy who was found dead with his mother in a Peak District reservoir was unlawfully killed by her, a coroner has ruled.
Jenson Spellman and Emma SillettJenson Spellman and Emma Sillett
Jenson Spellman and Emma Sillett

Police recovered the bodies of five-year-old Jenson Spellman and Emma Sillett, 41, from Valehouse Reservoir, near Tintwistle, last autumn.

An inquest held at Chesterfield coroners' court on Tuesday heard social worker Ms Sillett had a history of mental health problems, including depression.

Jenson Spellman and Emma SillettJenson Spellman and Emma Sillett
Jenson Spellman and Emma Sillett
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Following the tragedy, Jenson was described as a 'kind and caring' child with a 'beaming infectious smile'.

'Very depressed recently'

Detective Constable Rebecca Fearon, of the major crime unit at Derbyshire Constabulary, said John Spellman - Jenson's father and Ms Sillett's partner - reported the pair missing on November 20 last year.

Det Con Fearon said Mr Spellman told police that Ms Sillett had been 'very depressed recently'.

Five-year-old son Jenson SpellmanFive-year-old son Jenson Spellman
Five-year-old son Jenson Spellman

After a public appeal and extensive searches, police divers found the bodies of Jenson and Ms Sillett in Valehouse Reservoir on November 22.

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The inquest heard post-mortem tests concluded they had both died by drowning.

Det Con Fearon said Ms Sillett's car - which was found near the reservoir - contained 'suicide letters' as well as other items including the remains of a McDonald's Happy Meal.

Referring to the 'suicide letters', Det Con Fearon said: "She feels she had a traumatic childhood and was unhappy in her relationship."

Emma Sillett (41) from Dinting, Glossop (PA)Emma Sillett (41) from Dinting, Glossop (PA)
Emma Sillett (41) from Dinting, Glossop (PA)

She added that Ms Sillett had made reference to not wanting to put Jenson 'through a life of pain'.

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Det Con Fearon also read out a statement from Mr Spellman in which he said Ms Sillett had a 'difficult upbringing', found her workload 'stressful' and suffered from post-natal depression after Jenson was born.

Her sister Nicola said in a written statement that Ms Sillettt was 'intelligent and strong-minded' but felt 'isolated and lonely', adding that her relationship with Mr Spellman had 'deteriorated' over the last two years.

Coroner Emma Serrano told the court that Ms Sillett was known to mental health services but did not engage with them.

Mr Spellman said: "She wasn't thinking straight.

"She kept asking for help but never went through with it."

Ms Serrano concluded that Jenson, of Brookfield, Glossop, was unlawfully killed.

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She also concluded that Ms Sillett, of Brookfield, Glossop, died by suicide and recorded that she was 'found ... with injuries consistent with drowning having taken measures to drown herself and another'.

'The perfect child'

Paying tribute to Jenson after he died, Debbie Greaves, headteacher at Simmondley Primary School, where he was a pupil, said: "The whole school was devastated to hear the very sad news about our pupil Jenson and his mum Emma and our thoughts are with their family and friends.

"Jenson had been at the school for just over a year and was a bundle of energy.

"He constantly had a beaming infectious smile and was kind and caring. He loved running around outside and playing on the bikes with his friends.

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"There was nothing he didn't know about dinosaurs, as he was an expert.

"The perfect child to have in your class, he will be very much missed."

- Whoever you are, however you feel, whatever life has done to you, please remember that you are not alone and help is at hand. You can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email them [email protected]. The Samaritans are there all day, every day.