Hakeem Hussain, 7, could have survived fatal asthma attack, court told

A seven-year-old boy who died from a fatal asthma attack would have survived if his drug addict mother had not "entirely neglected" his medical condition, a court heard.

Laura Heath, 39, has gone on trial charged with manslaughter following the death of her son Hakeem Hussain in November 2017.

The tragic schoolboy was discovered "freezing and blue" wearing just his pyjamas outside a house in Nechells.

A court heard he died from acute exacerbation of asthma after being exposed to heroin and crack cocaine by his junkie mum.

Heath had even used Hakeem’s inhalers to smoke class A drugs despite his breathing getting worse "day by day", jurors were told.

Heath denies manslaughter but has pleaded guilty to four counts of child cruelty and is currently on trial at Coventry Crown Court.

What happened in court today (Wednesday, April 6)?

Today (Wed) a retired paediatrician told how Hakeem’s death could have been prevented had Heath not ignored medical advice which would have saved his life.

Giving evidence Dr Peter Ehrhardt, a former doctor of safeguarding in East Lancashire, said he was left "speechless" at the way Hakeem had been treated.

The court was told Heath had smoked heroin and crack cocaine in the 48 hours before her son’s death and he also had tobacco in his lungs.

Dr Ehrhardt said: “In my opinion she knew the previous night that Hakeem’s asthma was not under control.

"Had she acted then in my opinion his deterioration would have been less severe and he would not have died.

“It’s the failings in management of asthma that causes people to die. If managed appropriately, they would not die. In my opinion, this is the case for Hakeem.

“Hakeem’s asthma was entirely neglected, his mother ignored medical advice and whether he would require medical attention.

"It was uncontrolled as his mother did not attempt to control it.

“A child with asthma should not be in an environment with tobacco smoke.

"You should be aiming to not have your child in an environment with cigarette smoke.”

Heath had told cops that Hakeem would go outside for some fresh air if he was ever struggling with his breathing.

She said in her police interview after his death: "I had a funny feeling he had gone out in the night and fell asleep outside."

Dr Ehrhardt added: “I’m speechless really. He’s a seven-year-old.

“If your child’s had asthma for several years, you get the smokers out the house. If it’s still not working, you get help. You find a phone and you dial 999.

"If you see your child is struggling with his symptoms, then clearly you are not doing the right thing for your child."

What had the court heard previously?

The court heard previously that getting drugs had become the "first priority" in Heath’s life above the welfare of her son.

He was also made to sleep on a sofa in squalid conditions, while his jumper smelled of urine and his school uniform reeked of cigarettes, it was said.

Hakeem was also known to social services and was classed as "vulnerable" due to concerns about "neglect, attendance issues and his home life".

But it was decided he should not be removed from Heath’s care despite him being at a "serious risk of harm."

Heath, of no fixed address, denies gross negligence manslaughter.

She has admitted four counts of child cruelty relating to neglect by failing to provide him with proper medical supervision and exposing him to heroin and crack cocaine.

The trial continues.

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