Loughton: Woman given life sentence for murder of son

A woman has been given a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of her 14-month-old son.

Emma Barnett from Debden was convicted of one count of murder at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday 28 May.

During the 18-day trial the jury heard that the 36-year-old had given Oakley a fatal mixture of milk and medication.

In his sentencing remarks on Friday 5 June The Honourable Mr Justice Sweeting said there was a degree of “planning and preparation” and that Barnett had “deprived Oakley of all the life he had ahead of him”.

He sentenced her to a minimum term of 21 years and 7 days.

Emergency services were called to her Chester Road home in November 2024 with concerns for the welfare of Oakley and Barnett.

They had initially been reported as missing. During a police search of the house officers discovered Barnett was hiding with Oakley in the loft.

Following protracted conversations officers became increasingly concerned for Oakley’s welfare as Barnett refused to open the loft hatch and come down.

They forced entry after Barnett stated: “I have killed him”.

Very sadly Oakley, despite the best efforts of medical staff, Oakley died in hospital.

Barnett was treated in hospital before being arrested on suspicion of murder in January 2025. She was interviewed and charged in June.

Following Barnett’s conviction last week, Oakley’s family paid tribute to him and said:

"Oakley filled every room with light, laughter, and love.
"With his beautiful curly hair and huge blue eyes, he captured the hearts of everyone who met him.
"His smile could brighten even the darkest day, and his gentle spirit brought so much happiness to our family."

Read the full tribute here. 

During his summing up the judge also commended the complex and sensitive work of the officers in the case and highlighted their actions and conduct.

Following the sentencing Detective Inspector James Holmes said:

"This was an extremely tragic and distressing case. It has had a last impacting on all of us that worked on the investigation.
"Barnett committed this terrible act and today she has rightfully been sentenced for her actions.
"I hope this brings closure for Oakley’s loved ones and helps them move forward. Our thoughts are with them and Oakley."

A woman has been found guilty of murdering her one-year-old son following a complex and sensitive investigation led by detectives from Essex Police.

Emma Barnett, of Chester Road, Debden, had denied murdering Oakley, but was convicted today (Thursday 28 May) at the end of an 18-day trial at Cambridge Crown Court.

Emergency services were called to her home on Friday 8 November 2024 following concerns for the welfare of both the 36-year-old and Oakley.

They had initially been reported as missing, with suggestions that the defendant had taken Oakley to Epping Forest.

That same evening police forced entry into her home and she was found to be in the loft. She had Oakley with her and refused to come down.

Following conversations with Barnett, officers became increasingly concerned for Oakley’s welfare.

They forced entry into the loft and Oakley and Barnett were both taken to hospital for treatment.

Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical staff, Oakley died in December 2024. Barnett was treated in hospital before being arrested on suspicion of murder in January 2025.

As part of a detailed investigation, Barnett was interviewed in June 2025, she refused to answer any questions, but was charged with one count of murder.

The jury had heard that Barnett had been due to attend a legal hearing to decide what would happen with Oakley, who had been subject to an interim care order, on the day they went missing.

Barnett denied deliberately killing Oakley, but the jury did not believe her and she was found guilty following 6 hours of deliberation.

Detective Inspector James Holmes said:

“This was an extremely upsetting and difficult investigation for everybody involved. Our thoughts remain with Oakley and everyone who loved him."

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