Cambridge Court Convicts Essex Mother of 14‑month‑old son

A woman has been convicted of murdering her 14-month-old son by feeding him a lethal mixture of prescription medication and milk before hiding with him in her loft to avoid his removal by authorities. Emma Barnett, 36, of Debden, Essex, was found guilty by a jury at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday, May 28, following an 18-day trial.

The events unfolded on November 8, 2024, after a family court hearing determined that Barnett's son, Oakley, should be removed from her care and placed under an interim care order. Barnett and Oakley were subsequently reported missing, with initial suspicions that they had gone to nearby Epping Forest. However, Judge Mr Justice Derek Sweeting explained to jurors that Barnett had parked her car at the forest and walked back to her home on Chester Road.

Police forced entry into her home later that day and found Barnett hiding in the loft with Oakley. She initially refused to come down or allow officers to see the child, stating he was asleep. After conversations through the loft hatch and by telephone, officers grew concerned and forced entry into the loft space. Both Barnett and Oakley were taken to hospital. Despite medical efforts, Oakley died on...