Murdered toddler Oakley 'captured all our hearts'

The family of a 14-month-old boy who was murdered by his mum said he "filled every room with light, laughter and love".

Oakley Barnett "captured the hearts of everyone who met him", his relatives said in a tribute on Thursday.

The toddler was fatally poisoned by his mum at their home in Loughton, Essex, hours after a judge ruled he should be taken into care on 8 November 2024.

Emma Barnett, 36, of Chester Road, is due to be sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday.

Jurors found her guilty of murder on 28 May after an 18-day trial at the same court.

In a tribute shared by Essex Police, Oakley's family said: "His smile could brighten even the darkest day, and his gentle spirit brought so much happiness to our family."

Relatives described his love of watching the Trolls film and said they would treasure the memories shared together.

"We will forever miss his cuddles, his laughter and the happiness he brought into our lives," they continued.

"While our hearts ache with the loss of him, we are grateful for every second we were blessed to spend with him."

Police found Barnett hiding in her loft with Oakley after concerns for their welfare were raised.

Hours before, a family court judge in Chelmsford had ruled the toddler should be removed from her.

She poisoned Oakley after the decision and he died in hospital on New Year's Eve 2024.

Essex Safeguarding Children Board, which had a safety plan in place for Oakley before his death, has been reviewing how he came to die.

In a separate tribute, Oakley's dad said: "I will forever have that ache in my heart of never being able to have that father-son bond with him or be able to kick a ball together.

"I will forever love my little boy and miss him deeply."

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