Health · 6 June 2026

Essex mum jailed for poisoning her baby son

Illustration: AI-generated for editorial context. Not photographic evidence.

An Essex mum has been jailed for life after she poisoned her baby son, Oakley, using a cocktail of prescription drugs. Emma Barnett killed her 14-month-old child after a family court hearing in November 2024 ordered he be taken into care. Police found her hiding in her loft with Oakley, and she'll now serve at least 22 years in prison.

By BriefTea Editorial · 6 June 2026 at 6:51

Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs

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