Reply to comment

Published: 16th December, 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

FAMILY and friends of a mother-of-three found strangled to death have paid tribute to a “brilliant girl”.

Jacqueline Barrett, 34, who grew up in Gospel Oak, was found dead at her home in Cricklewood shortly before 5am on Saturday. A man has appeared in court charged with murder.

Dozens of floral tributes, candles and messages of condolence have been left outside the Queen’s Crescent Community Association building this week.

Shocked friends said Ms Barrett – a former pupil at Fleet and Haverstock schools – had been a hugely popular figure in Queen’s Crescent, where she lived with her mother until recently. 

A statement from the Barrett fam­ily, issued through police, said: “Jacqueline was a loving daughter and a devoted mother of her three children. She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.”

One tribute, signed Ashley, Daniel and Reece, said: “To mum. I’ve always loved you. No one can hurt you now. Lots of love.”

A friend, Louise Smyth, said: “It’s so terrible. Everyone knew Jackie around here. We are such a close-knit community that it’s devastating when something like this happens. 

“She was always such a happy person, always laughing. She loved Facebook and always kept in touch with everyone. 

“I feel ­so sad for her children. She seemed to be in a good place at the moment. She was absol­utely devoted to them. She would do anything for her kids, and we will always remember that.”

Another friend, who went to primary school with Ms Barrett, said: “It is so upsetting. She was such a laugh. 

“I’ll always remember us getting up to no good when we were young. We were naughty kids. I can’t believe she’s gone.”

Friends hope to organise a memorial service.

A 23-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Ms Barrett. 

Houssam Djemaa, of Anderson Court, Whitefield Avenue, appeared at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

An 18-year-old man arrested in connection with the inquiry has been bailed until late December.