A mother has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her 14-month-old son by administering a deadly concoction of prescription drugs mixed with milk as authorities were planning to remove the child from her care.
Emma Barnett, a resident of Debden, Essex, poisoned her son Oakley and concealed themselves in the attic of their Loughton residence following a court decision 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 and residing on Chester Road, was convicted of murder at Cambridge Crown Court on May 28 after an extensive 18-day trial. She was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years during sentencing at the same court on Friday.
During the trial, Mr. Justice Derek Sweeting revealed that Barnett had gone missing after participating in the virtual family court hearing on November 8, 2024. Social workers were actively trying to locate her and safeguard Oakley, with the objective of removing him from her care following the court’s decision.
Evidence presented in court indicated that Barnett drove to Epping Forest and then returned home, where she secluded herself with Oakley in the attic. When authorities intervened, Barnett initially resisted revealing Oakley’s whereabouts, eventually confessing to his murder.
The court learned that Barnett had prepared a bottle containing a lethal mixture of milk and medication, leading to Oakley’s tragic demise. Investigators discovered two baby bottles in the attic containing substances testing positive for the sedative antihistamine promethazine and the antidepressant mirtazapine, which when combined could result in severe respiratory issues.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Nicola Pope stated that Barnett deliberately administered the fatal mixture to her son. She emphasized the meticulous analysis of evidence from the police investigation, including expert medical opinions, to establish the circumstances surrounding Oakley’s death.
Following Barnett’s conviction, Oakley’s family, in a statement shared by Essex Police, expressed their profound grief over the loss of their beloved child, highlighting his infectious smile and joyful presence in their lives. Oakley’s father also shared a heartfelt tribute, expressing everlasting love and sorrow for missing out on cherished father-son moments with his son.
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