Mother, 39, accused of manslaughter after her 'beautiful' seven-year-old son's body was found outside in freezing conditions is remanded in custody

• Hakeem Hussain's body was discovered near his great-uncle's house in Nechells
• The seven-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest and could not be saved in 2017
• His mother Laura Heath, 39, appeared at Birmingham Magistrate's Court today 
• She was charged with manslaughter and four counts of child cruelty 
• She was remanded to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on August 12

The mother of a seven-year-old boy who died in 2017 has been remanded in custody accused of his manslaughter.

Laura Heath, of Little Clover Close, Nechells, Birmingham, has also been charged with four counts of child cruelty, but was not asked to enter pleas at the city's magistrates' court on Thursday.

The 39-year-old is alleged to have unlawfully killed Hakeem Hussain, who was discovered next to his great-uncle's terraced house in near-freezing conditions on Cook Street, in Nechells, Birmingham.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at 7.30am on November 26, 2017 but the youngster had suffered a cardiac arrest and could not be saved. 

His mother Laura Heath, 39, was arrested at the time at the same address and she was charged by the CPS on Wednesday afternoon. 

The cruelty offences are alleged to have been committed on dates between April 12 and November 26 2017. 

Heath spoke only to confirm her personal details during an hour-long hearing at Birmingham Magistrate's Court, which was briefly disrupted by a disturbance in the public gallery.

She was remanded to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on August 12.

Hakeem was a Year 3 pupil at Nechells Primary Academy, just yards from where the schoolboy was found. 

Hakeem, of Long Acre, Nechells, was described as 'a most beautiful little boy... with a wicked sense of humour and an infectious giggle'.

Headteacher Julie Wright said at the time: 'Hakeem was a most beautiful little boy, a great friend to many staff and children with a wicked sense of humour and an infectious giggle.

''He was a warm and generous-hearted soul who was talented across many areas of the curriculum but especially so in music and the arts.

'His performance as the 'Christmas Star' in the year two nativity play last year will stay with me forever as he totally stole the show with his clear speaking voice and stage presence.

'There wasn't a dry eye in the house as he delivered his lines with poignancy, grace and humour.

'The twinkle in his beautiful eyes was as bright as the stars in the sky, and our love for him will shine out forever, from all of his Nechells family.

'Hakeem will be sorely missed by us all.'

One neighbour also said previously: 'He was the sweetest little kid. Would always be full of beans and would wave and say hello. Just a lovely little soul.'