Hakeem Hussain: Trial date set for mum accused of killing son

A mother accused of killing her seven-year-old son by not managing his asthma is due to go on trial in March.

Hakeem Hussain was found dead by paramedics at a house on Cook Street, Birmingham, on 26 November 2017.

Laura Heath, 39, pleaded not guilty to gross negligence manslaughter and two counts of child cruelty at a hearing in August.

At a pre-trial hearing at Birmingham Crown Court, she was told a six-week trial would begin on 14 March.

Nearly 50 witnesses are expected to give evidence, the court heard.

A previous hearing was told details of the manslaughter charge, which alleged Ms Heath, of Little Clover Close, Nechells, failed to administer asthma medication twice daily and ensure "an adequate supply of medication".

It was also alleged she had exposed him "to known asthma triggers" and had failed "to seek medical help when clear his asthma symptoms were not under control".

The child cruelty charges date to periods in 2017.

In the 19-minute hearing on Thursday, the defendant was told by Judge Paul Farrer of her trial date and she was remanded into custody.

Hakeem, of Long Acre, Nechells, was described by his school's head teacher shortly after his death as "a most beautiful little boy, a great friend to many staff and children, with a wicked sense of humour and an infectious giggle".

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]