A mum accused of killing her seven-year-old son through gross negligence will stand trial later this year – almost four years after his death.

Asthmatic Hakeem Hussain, described as ‘the sweetest little kid’, was found dead by paramedics at a house in Cook Street in Nechells, Birmingham, in November 2017.

The little boy had been outside in the freezing winter weather and had suffered a cardiac arrest.

Attempts were made to resuscitate him but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Prosecutors now argue that his mother, Laura Heath, of the nearby Little Clover Close, breached her duty of care as she failed to administer his medication and ensure he had ‘an adequate supply’.

The charge alleges she had been ‘exposing him to known asthma triggers’ and was ‘failing to seek medical help when clear his asthma symptoms were not under control’.

But the 39-year-old mum pleaded not guilty to gross negligence manslaughter and two counts of child cruelty.

Shortly after his death, Hakeem was described by Julie Wright, his school’s headteacher, as ‘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’, she said in a touching tribute about the youngster.

Heath appeared for a pre-trial hearing over a video link from HMP Peterborough at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday.

As many as 50 witnesses are scheduled to give evidence during the six-week trial set to begin on March 14.

During a 19-minute hearing the mum sat alone wearing a grey Nike hoodie, with her hair in a ponytail.

She gave a double thumbs-up to the camera when Judge Paul Farrer QC asked to confirm if she was the defendant.

Adjourning the case for trial, Judge Farrer told the defendant: ‘Ms Heath your trial will start on March 14.

‘In the meantime, as you know, you are remanded in custody.’

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