A mother has been sentenced to prison for the murder of her 14-month-old child by giving him a fatal concoction of prescription drugs mixed with milk before he was due to be placed in care. Emma Barnett, residing in Debden, Essex, poisoned her son Oakley and concealed themselves in an attic at their residence in Loughton following a court ruling in November 2024 that determined Oakley should be taken away from her custody. Tragically, the toddler passed away in the hospital less than two months later.
Barnett, aged 36, from Chester Road, was convicted of murder at Cambridge Crown Court on May 28 after an extensive 18-day trial. She was subsequently handed a life sentence, with a minimum term of 22 years, at the same court.
During the trial, Mr. Justice Derek Sweeting revealed that Barnett was reported missing after the online family court hearing on November 8, 2024. Social workers were actively trying to locate her and ensure Oakley’s safety, as the court’s decision was to remove Oakley from Barnett’s care.
It came to light that Barnett parked her car at Epping Forest before returning home and hiding in the attic with her son. She later admitted in an interview that she purposely misled the police to believe she was in the forest so she could stay indoors with Oakley.
When authorities entered the home, Barnett initially refused to allow them to see Oakley, claiming he was asleep. However, she eventually confessed to the police that she had taken the life of her son. The prosecution stated that Barnett attempted suicide in the presence of the police and had ingested an overdose of paracetamol.
Evidence presented in court indicated that Barnett had prepared a bottle containing a mixture of milk and drugs, which led to Oakley’s demise. Investigators discovered two baby bottles in the attic containing substances testing positive for the sedative promethazine and the antidepressant mirtazapine. The judge mentioned that the combined effects of these drugs could cause respiratory issues and potential harm.
Nicola Pope, a senior crown prosecutor, emphasized that Barnett deliberately administered the lethal mixture to her son, resulting in his tragic death. She commended the police investigation and expert medical analysis that uncovered the circumstances surrounding Oakley’s passing.
Following Barnett’s conviction, Oakley’s family, in a statement shared by Essex Police, remembered him fondly for his infectious smile and gentle spirit that brought joy to their lives. They expressed profound sadness over his loss but cherished the moments spent with him.
In a separate tribute, Oakley’s father expressed his enduring love for his son and the deep sorrow of missing out on the opportunity to share a bond with him.