Criminologist on Britain's 'Sickest Child' Lies, Mum Faked Her Son's Illnesses

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Lisa Hayden-Johnson convinced the country that her young son Matthew was suffering from a series of life-threatening illnesses. But the truth was far more disturbing.

From cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis to diabetes and severe allergies, Matthew was subjected to hundreds of medical appointments, made to use a wheelchair and fed through tubes, despite not having the conditions his mother claimed.

The story attracted national attention, with Matthew receiving a Child of Courage award and the family meeting figures including Tony Blair and the Duchess of Cornwall.

But behind the public sympathy was a prolonged pattern of child abuse. Hayden-Johnson was eventually convicted of child cruelty and other offences, exposing a case of fabricated or induced illness, sometimes referred to as Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

How could a mother fabricate her own child's illnesses for years? Why did so many people believe her? And how was the abuse eventually uncovered?

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