“The news of Hakeem’s death shocked our community five years ago – he was a friendly, polite little boy who will forever be remembered for his gentle nature.”
These sad words are from Hakeem’s head teacher, David Crumps, who added “his friends will remember him with love and great fondness and he is greatly missed.”
Hakeem Hussain was just seven-years-old when he died in Nechells, Birmingham in 2017.
A post mortem concluded he died of acute exacerbation of asthma.
Police were called to Cook Street at around 7.40am on 26 November after ambulance colleagues attended to reports of a boy in cardiac arrest. His mother, Laura Heath, stated he had gone outside for some fresh air and fell asleep.
Tragically nothing could be done to save Hakeem who suffered with severe asthma.
His mother told paramedics that he often got up in the night and went outside for fresh air and that he usually told her; but on this occasion she believed he hadn’t tried to wake her.
Officers noted that there was drugs paraphernalia in the flat, including a blue inhaler which was being used as a pipe from which drugs could be smoked.
After visiting Heath’s nearby property in Long Acre, officers found it to be cluttered, damp and dirty. She was staying at Cook Street because her gas and electricity had been disconnected.
An investigation commenced and police discovered Hakeem had been suffering from breathing difficulties and asthma since he was three years old and throughout his life authorities were concerned about his medical condition and how it was being mismanaged at home.
WMP also found that Heath was a drug addict and regularly smoked heroin and crack cocaine. Heath admitted that she had smoked heroin inside the flat the night before Hakeem died and it is our belief that it was for this reason she was unable to help him when he needed her.
In July 2021, Heath was charged with child cruelty and manslaughter following careful consideration of all of the evidence officers presented to the CPS.
She admitted the child cruelty charges and was found guilty of manslaughter today following a trial at Coventry Crown Court.
She’ll be sentenced on 28 April.
Detective Inspector Michelle Thurgood who led the investigation said: “Hakeem’s death was untimely, tragic and preventable.
“He was a young boy who should have been enjoying a carefree and happy childhood. I am saddened by what happened to him and the desperately unfortunate circumstances that caused his death.
“His mother had a duty of care to manage the administration of his asthma medication. Her life and home was chaotic and this had a detrimental impact on poor little Hakeem.
“My thoughts remain with his loved ones and I hope the court outcome offers some comfort.”
The following was said on behalf of the children and staff at Nechells E-Act Academy in December 2017: “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.
“He totally stole the show with his performance as the ‘Christmas Star’ in the year two nativity play 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.”