A mother has been found guilty of murdering her one-year-old son after police discovered them hidden in her loft during a welfare visit. Emma Barnett, 36, was convicted following an 18-day trial at Cambridge Crown Court for the murder of Oakley.
Emergency services were called to her home on November 8, 2024, after concerns were raised about the welfare of both Barnett and her son. They had initially been reported missing, with suggestions that Barnett had taken Oakley to Epping Forest. That same evening, police forced entry into her home and found her in the loft, refusing to come down while holding Oakley.
The court heard that police had become increasingly worried about the pair's safety before the tragic discovery. Barnett had denied murdering Oakley but was found guilty by the jury. Sentencing is expected to take place at a later date.
