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A mum discovered clutching the hand of her dead autistic son has been accused of murdering the 11-year-old.

Yvonne Freaney, 48, appeared in court yesterday charged with killing wheelchair-bound Glen and was remanded in custody.

Police had launched a desperate hunt to find the mother after relatives raised the alarm.

Minutes later officers arrived at the Sky Plaza Hotel near Cardiff Airport, where they found Freaney sitting with his body, holding his hand.

Mother and son had left home at the weekend to book into the three-star hotel in Rhoose, Vale of Glamorgan, less than 10 miles away from their Penarth house.

It is understood Glen had suffered from severe autism, could not talk and needed a computerised voice system to communicate. A fellow guest, who booked in at the hotel after her flight was grounded by volcanic ash, said: "When we arrived there were police were everywhere.

"It wasn't until later that we were told a young boy had been found murdered in one of the rooms. It is so tragic."

Police believe the youngster died on Thursday or Friday and his mother had stayed with him in the room until they were found on Saturday.

Det Chief Inspector Richard Jones said: "This is a tragic murder of a young boy."

Rhys Jenkins, 23, whose farm is opposite, said: "I was working in the fields when I saw four ambulances race to the hotel. The road was filled with police going back all of Sunday."

Neighbours told how Yvonne was a "loving and devoted mother" to Glen.

Schoolfriend Sue Whingren, 47, said: "She is just a really nice lady who was always a good laugh and a loving mother.

"We used to talk about our kids sometimes and we all have a moan occasionally but nothing more than usual.

"Glen was severely autistic but all her kids have always been well-cared for."

Neighbour Kathleen Price said: "It is a terrible tragedy."

Glen was the youngest of her three children with husband, former RAF officer Mark.

He was being comforted by family yesterday.

Freaney will appear at Cardiff court again today.