Mother gave child deadly mix of drugs to prevent him from being placed in foster care.

A mother's love for her child is immeasurable, but for Emma Barnett, a 36-year-old from Debden, Essex, that love manifested in a tragic and unthinkable way. After a family court hearing on November 8, 2024, which determined that her 14-month-old son Oakley should be removed from her care, Emma made a desperate and fatal decision. In an attempt to prevent her son from being taken from her and placed in care, Emma fed him a cocktail of prescription medications.

She then fled to her home and hid in the loft, along with Oakley. Police were initially searching for them in Epping Forest, but eventually found them in Emma's home. During her initial interview with the police, Emma refused to let them see Oakley, claiming that he was sleeping.

However, she later confessed: "I have killed him." This confession came after social workers had been trying to locate Emma and safeguard Oakley following the court hearing. The intention was to remove Oakley from Emma's care, which ultimately led to this tragic and devastating outcome. Summing up the evidence, Judge Mr Justice Sweeting explained that Emma had parked her car in Epping Forest and then walked back home.

She later admitted in her interview that she wanted the police to think she was in the forest so she could hide in the loft with Oakley. Emma's intention was to extend the time she had left with her son, as she believed that at the point he would be removed from her by the police, she would take her own life. However, the Crown Prosecution Service presented evidence that showed Emma had prepared a bottle containing a mixture of milk and medication, which she gave to Oakley, causing his death.

The judge added that Emma's defence was that Oakley's death was accidental, and she did not intentionally administer the medication with the intent to harm or kill him. Her intention was solely to take her own life when faced with the prospect of Oakley being taken from her. The judge also revealed that investigators found two baby bottles in the loft with liquids testing positive for an antihistamine and an antidepressant.

An expert's evidence suggested that these medications, when taken together, could have caused respiratory compromise and proved fatal for Oakley. Nicola Pope, a senior Crown prosecutor, commented on the case, stating that Emma deliberately gave her baby son a dangerous mixture of medication that proved fatal. She also expressed hope that the outcome of the trial would bring some peace to Oakley's family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Detective Inspector James Holmes of Essex Police also shared his thoughts on the tragic case, stating that it was a difficult and upsetting investigation for everyone involved. He offered his condolences to Oakley and his loved ones. Emma will be sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on June 5, facing a life sentence for her actions.

The loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy, and this case serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and support in times of crisis. Let us keep Oakley and his family in our thoughts and prayers.