A mother who killed her 14-month-old son by lacing his milk with prescription drugs on the day a family court ordered he be taken into care has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Emma Barnett, 36, from Essex, was found guilty of murder at Cambridge Crown Court on May 28, 2025, and was sentenced on June 5, 2026, to life with a minimum term of 22 years.
The Day of the Crime
On November 8, 2024, Barnett was due to attend a family court hearing that resulted in an interim care order for her son, Oakley. That same day, she and the child disappeared. Police found her car parked near Epping Forest, but she had walked to her home on Chester Road, Debden, Essex. Officers forced entry and discovered Barnett hiding in the loft, clutching Oakley. She initially claimed the boy was asleep, but then declared, "I have killed him." Both were rushed to hospital; Oakley died on New Year's Eve 2024, while Barnett was treated and later arrested in January 2025.
Trial and Evidence
During the 18-day trial, the prosecution argued that Barnett intentionally administered a mixture of milk and medication to Oakley with the intent to kill him. The defence claimed she intended to take her own life only when police removed Oakley, and that his death was accidental. The judge, Mr Justice Derek Sweeting, noted that two baby bottles found in the loft contained liquids that tested positive for promethazine (an antihistamine causing sedation) and mirtazapine (an antidepressant). Expert evidence stated that their combined effects could cause respiratory compromise.
Barnett had told police in an interview that she left her car at Epping Forest to make officers think she was there, so she could stay indoors with Oakley. She declined to answer questions when interviewed in June 2025. After six hours of deliberation, the jury found her guilty of murder.
Family Tributes
Oakley's family released a heartfelt statement, describing him as a boy who "filled every room with light, laughter, and love." They recalled his love for watching Trolls and his beautiful curly hair and blue eyes. "Though he was only with us for a short time, Oakley filled our hearts," they said. "Forever 14 months old. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our Oakley." His father expressed deep regret at not being able to form a bond with his son, saying, "I will forever have that ache in my heart of never being able to have that father-son bond."
Police Statement
Detective Inspector James Holmes, who led the investigation, said: "This was an extremely upsetting and difficult investigation for everybody involved. Our thoughts remain with Oakley and everyone who loved him."
