A mother has been sentenced to life in prison for killing her 14-month-old son by giving him a deadly concoction of prescription drugs mixed with milk, just as authorities were set to take him into care.
Emma Barnett, residing in Debden, Essex, fatally poisoned her son Oakley and concealed themselves in an attic at her residence in Loughton following a court ruling in November 2024 that decided Oakley should be removed from her custody. Tragically, the toddler passed away in the hospital less than two months later.
The 36-year-old Barnett, living on Chester Road, was convicted of murder at Cambridge Crown Court after an 18-day trial. On Friday, she was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years by the same court.
Justice Derek Sweeting stated that Barnett was reported missing after attending the online family court hearing on November 8, 2024. Social services were actively trying to locate her to ensure Oakley’s safety, as the court had ordered his removal from her care.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Barnett left her car at Epping Forest before returning home and hiding with Oakley in the attic. When the police intervened and demanded to see Oakley, Barnett initially resisted, claiming he was asleep, but eventually confessed to the crime.
The court learned that Barnett attempted suicide in front of the police and had ingested an overdose of paracetamol. The prosecution argued that Barnett deliberately administered a lethal mixture of medication to Oakley, leading to his death.
Evidence displayed in court demonstrated that Barnett had prepared a bottle containing a combination of milk, promethazine (an antihistamine inducing sedation), and mirtazapine (an antidepressant). These substances, when combined, could cause severe respiratory issues, resulting in Oakley’s demise.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Nicola Pope emphasized that Barnett’s actions were intentional and lethal, leading to Oakley’s tragic death. Oakley’s family, in a tribute shared by Essex Police, expressed their profound loss and cherished memories of him, highlighting his infectious smile and gentle nature.
In a separate tribute, Oakley’s father conveyed his everlasting love for his son and the grief of missing out on the opportunity to build a strong father-son bond with him. The family continues to mourn Oakley’s untimely death and treasures the moments they had with him.
