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Mum Sentenced To Prison For Lying About Son’s Illnesses | Love You To Death

Channel 4 Documentaries

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References to child cruelty, mental health, sexual assault and self-harm

Was Lisa Hayden-Johnson’s son Matthew really Britain's sickest child? Doctors, police and family members tell their story behind the shocking deception.

Lisa’s world implodes as an unthinkable truth is revealed: Matthew’s illnesses are not as they seem. And while Matthew comes to terms with his new reality, the threat of prison hangs over Lisa. As the press dub Lisa’s ‘Britain’s most evil mother’ and the family rift deepens, Matthew confronts his past and meets the professionals who worked on his case, as he searches for the elusive truth. (EP2 and 3 of 3)

First shown: 20 Aug 2026

00:00 Intro
02:57 Matthew's story
06:18 Arrest made
14:55 Police evidence assembled
24:16 Moved into foster care
33:21 The charges
39:59 The trial
46:02 'Unfinished business'
49:14 Dr Freda Gardner
58:03 Released from prison
1:09:35 Laura's interview
1:23:15 Matthew and Laura

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20 Comments

@DizzySpook 1 month ago

The mum never takes accountability once. The police bullied her, her husband harassed her, her daughter is lying about her. Strange that she's the common denominator.

@deirdremcloughlin1380 1 month ago (edited)

Laura if you ever see this, remember you have no need to feel any guilt, you were a tiny little girl. I hope you have a very happy peaceful life❤. What a terrible thing to happen to two children, my heart aches for you both and Dad.

@Donna100780 1 month ago

The worrying thing is that she still isn't acknowledging what it is that she did.

@IsaLinaLuna 1 month ago

god that poor daughter, such a complexity of trauma. just want to give her a big hug (and some solid long-term therapy).

@Djedra7 1 month ago

I love that their way of hiding her identity was just to zoom in on her eyes so you could see how she pretended to wipe away non-existent tears. That told us more than anything that came out of her mouth.

@Haze43284 1 month ago

Laura is still being neglected. Every time the children are brought up she focuses on Matthew first and foremost and goes into great detail. Laura is an afterthought to her. I really hope Laura finds someone who loves and treasures her.

@carolinemulenga2697 1 month ago

I cannot believe the father gets off scott free and is classed as another victim. He's listening to his wife tell the world his son can't eat real food, is allergic to almost everything, then watching the little boy tuck into a roast dinner. He KNEW she was lying. He knew. The little girl knew her mother was lying about her brother not being able to eat, so how could he not know? They have photographic evidence that he knew.

@KP-f6g 1 month ago

No a single tear for that woman. She changes her voice and sniffles to make it sound like crying, but no tears, it's a manipulatation technique

@stacey6996 1 month ago

It is so sad to see the sister blame herself for not speaking out. Her mum told her to lie and she was only a child, you listen and learn from your parents.

@missymunro7691 1 month ago

Laura's journey is heartbreaking, she took the brunt of the chaotic mess from all angles, for years.I hope this experience really helps her in some way.

@Hen71557 1 month ago

Wish the interviewer had asked her to explain how her son was miraculously ‘cured’ as soon as he was removed from her care. No tubes, no allergies, no need for oxygen, a walker or wheelchair. This woman opens her mouth she lies.

@maggiesmyth6258 1 month ago

I was so glad when he walked into the room. I thought they were going to say he's dead by the title. The poor boy looks like a lovely boy, and I hope he has a great life after the pain he suffered ❤

@StarkJerk 1 month ago

She’s one of those people who will always be the victim and will never, ever take accountability. I wouldn’t be able to be around her, that kind of person is so frustrating and draining.

@sharonlegg85 1 month ago (edited)

She lives in a real fantasy world then and now. She only admits to peeing in a pot and even then blamed her husband because he had somewhere to go. So thankful that Matthew was saved from her. That woman has scared both Matthew and her daughter. Even when she said “I didn’t do it” I’m afraid you did!

@catrionawilkie6671 1 month ago

Laura has been comprehensibly failed by all the adults who were around her as a child. She is treated as acceptable collateral damage.

The father was and is a negligent parent. It's noticeable he hasnt appeared in this documentary. His 16 year old daughter did not have a bra for christ sake. That is negligence

The "mother" is a deeply manipulative fantasist. There is nothing to salvage from her. I am absolutely ASTONISHED she was allowed to have ANY communication with her victims post prison.

I very much hope Matthew and Lisa cut their mother off entirely and get the help and support needed for moving forward

@laceneil4570 1 month ago

That woman is so deluded, even now she still thinks she did nothing wrong. She's a total narcissist too; I noticed that whenever she talked about what happened back then, it's all me me me. She hardly mentions how the children felt and the husband doesn't get a mention. She should have been charged with attempted murder.

@eminogscozycovenofchaos 4 weeks ago

The fact she says "I'm really happy" and yet her two kids have lifelong trauma and medical issues thanks to her, really makes me feel sick. She needs to realise she has a problem, and until then those kids should stay well away.

@naturalworldrelaxation6992 1 month ago

When the mum is "crying," no tears are coming out. Completely dry eyes.

@marylaverty8929 4 weeks ago

I have rarely been so impressed and in awe of a young woman as I have been having watched this documentary . Laura you are an absolute inspiration to all of us . You were on the sidelines in this story but your dignity empathy kindness and understanding of what happened to your family is extraordinary . What an outstanding lady you are . I wish you and your brother every happiness in your life to come .