Woman due in court charged with killing seven-year-old boy
A woman has been charged with killing a seven-year-old boy in the West Midlands.
Laura Heath is charged with the manslaughter of Hakeem Hussain in Birmingham and also faces four counts of child cruelty.
Hakeem, a pupil at the city's Nechells E-ACT Academy school, was found dead by paramedics at a house in nearby Cook Street on November 26, 2017.
The initial post-mortem failed to establish the cause of his death.
The alleged offences took place over a seven-month period in 2017.
West Midlands Police charged her after the Crown Prosecution Service examined evidence relating to the case.
Mark Paul, head of complex casework unit at the CPS, said: "Following the death of seven-year-old Hakeem Hussain in Birmingham in November 2017, the CPS has authorised West Midlands Police to charge Laura Heath with one count of manslaughter and four counts of cruelty to a child.
"The CPS authorised charges following careful consideration of all the evidence presented to us by the police as a result of their investigation. The alleged offences occurred between April 12 2017 and November 26 2017.
"Please be aware that criminal proceedings against the defendant are now active and she has a right to a fair trial.
"There must be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
Hakeem, of Long Acre, Nechells, was described by his school's headteacher 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".
Heath, aged 39, was due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
