A mum has been charged with manslaughter after her young son was found dead outside a house in freezing conditions.
Tragic Hakeem Hussain, 7, was discovered near his great-uncle's terraced house where he and his mother had been staying in Nechells, Birmingham.
Two ambulances and a paramedic dashed to the scene at 7.30am on November 26, 2017, but the youngster had suffered a cardiac arrest and could not be saved.
His mother Laura Heath, 39, has now been charged with manslaughter and four counts of cruelty to a child.
She will appear before Birmingham Magistrates on Thursday.
Mark Paul, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service's Complex Casework Unit, said: "Following the death of seven-year-old Hakeem Hussain in Birmingham in November 2017, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised West Midlands Police to charge Laura Heath with one count of manslaughter and four counts of cruelty to a child
'"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.
"His performance as the 'Christmas Star' in the year two nativity play last year will stay with me forever as he totally stole the show 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.
“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 12 April 2017 and 26 November 2017.”
Hakeem was a Year 3 pupil at Nechells Primary Academy, which is just yards from where the schoolboy was found.
Headteacher Julie Wright said at the time: "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.
"Hakeem will be sorely missed by us all.'
One neighbour said previously: "He was the sweetest little kid. Would always be full of beans and would wave and say hello. Just a lovely little soul."
Detective Inspector Jim Munro, of West Midlands Police, said at the time: "This is a tragic case and has understandably had a huge impact on the community.
"'We're working with partner agencies, including health and education officials, to ensure people who are close to Hakeem are given the support they need."
