The mother accused of murdering her three disabled children was today remanded to a secure hospital.
As Tania Clarence, 42, appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink, the judge said he had taken “an exceptional course for an exceptional case”.
She is charged with killing four-year-old Olivia and twins Ben and Max, aged three. They were found in the family’s £2 million house in New Malden on April 22.
Mrs Clarence, dressed in black training top and jeans, wept as details of the case were outlined by prosecutor Zoe Johnson QC. Her husband Gary, 43, was in court.
According to the provisional findings of a post-mortem examination, the children were “probably suffocated,” it was revealed. Further tests will be carried out
The children, who had suffered type-2 spinal muscular atrophy, died when Mr Clarence, an investment banker, was visiting relatives in South Africa.
Ms Johnson said police had been called to the house at about 9.30pm on April 22 and the three children were pronounced dead at the scene. Mrs Clarence was charged with the three murders on April 24.
Today lawyers representing her applied for bail, but made it clear that hospital treatment was the priority. In his ruling, given in open court the Recorder of London, Brian Barker QC, said that with the court in chambers he had heard evidence from psychiatrists.
He added: “This is a case of enormous concern. There is a combination of circumstances which does make this an exceptional case, and allows this court to take an exceptional course.”
The judge made orders under section 35 and section three of the Mental Health Act. These meant she would be remanded for review of her condition at a secure hospital.
“The effect is that she will remain in custody but be in a position to have the best possible treatment to deal with her condition at the moment,” said the judge.
He added: “This really is an exceptional case.”
A plea and case management hearing will take place at the Old Bailey on July 15.
