An immediate investigation is set to examine the circumstances surrounding a tragic incident where a 14-month-old toddler, under the supervision of social workers, was given a deadly combination of drugs by his mother before he could be placed under care.
Emma Barnett, aged 36, was convicted of murdering her son, Oakley, in November 2024, following a court ruling that he should be removed from her custody. The trial took place at Cambridge Crown Court, where Barnett, a resident of Loughton, Essex, was found guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
Essex County Council announced that an in-depth review, conducted by the Essex Safeguarding Children Board, will be released in the near future. Prior to the tragic incident, social services had already removed Barnett’s five other children, and a judge decided that Oakley should also be taken away on November 8, 2024. Barnett did not attend the court session in Chelmsford, Essex, opting to watch part of it online. She committed the heinous act shortly after the court’s decision.
During the trial, it was revealed that Oakley had been placed under a child protection order shortly after his birth in 2023 due to concerns of neglect. Barnett had expressed to a social worker in May 2024 that she had difficulty bonding with and caring for Oakley.
A spokesperson for Essex County Council extended condolences to Oakley’s family and confirmed an ongoing review by the Essex Safeguarding Children Board.
Barnett was discovered hiding with Oakley in the attic of their residence on November 8, 2024. She had obtained medication from a pharmacy on the day of the court hearing. Following the news that Oakley would be taken from her, Barnett absconded the hearing and was reported missing. Police located her in the attic where she eventually confessed to harming Oakley.
Barnett was apprehended in January 2025 on suspicion of murder but remained silent during questioning. The jury’s verdict found her guilty after an 18-day trial. Nicola Pope, a senior crown prosecutor, emphasized the tragic nature of the case and the deliberate actions of Barnett.
Detective Inspector James Holmes of Essex Police expressed sympathy for Oakley and his loved ones, acknowledging the emotional impact of the investigation. Essex Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) concerning their search efforts for Oakley and Barnett.
The IOPC acknowledged potential areas for improvement in the police’s handling of the case. Essex Police confirmed the implementation of recommended measures, including enhanced search protocols in various premises.