The family of a 14-month-old boy who was murdered by his mother say they will 'forever grieve' the memories they won't get to make with him. Oakley Barnett was fatally poisoned by his mother, Emma Barnett, 36, at their home in Loughton, Essex, within hours of a judge ruling he should be taken into care.
Police found Barnett hiding in her loft with the toddler after concerns for their welfare were raised. Oakley was taken to hospital where he tragically died on New Year's Eve in 2024. Heartbroken relatives paid tribute to the 'beautiful' boy who 'lit up the room' and 'captured the hearts of everyone who met him'.
In a statement, they 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.'
Oakley's father also paid tribute, saying: 'While I never got given the opportunity to get to know Oakley and experience the joy he brought to everyone else's lives... I will forever have that ache in my heart of never being able to have that father-son bond with him.'
Barnett was convicted of Oakley's death following an 18-day trial at Cambridge Crown Court on May 28. The trial heard how she collected medication from a pharmacy on November 8, 2024, the same day a family court hearing ruled the toddler should be removed from her care. When she learned Oakley would be taken into care, she left the hearing and was later found hiding in her loft with him. She initially said he was sleeping, before telling officers: 'I have killed him.'
Barnett is due to be sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday.
