SCUFFLES broke out in court as a mum appeared charged with the manslaughter of her son.
Laura Heath, 39, appeared before magistrates over the death of seven-year-old Hakeem Hussain.
Angry scenes disrupted her first appearance as bystanders confronted each other in the public gallery.
A safety alarm was triggered by court staff as security staff and police stepped in to intervene.
Hakeem was tragically found outside his great-uncle's terraced house on one of the coldest nights of the year where he and his mum had been staying.
Two ambulances and a paramedic rushed to the scene at 7.30am on November 26, 2017, but he had suffered a cardiac arrest and could not be saved.
Heath was this week charged with manslaughter and four counts of child cruelty and appeared at Birmingham magistrates’ court for the first time.
As bail was being considered by JPs, onlookers in the viewing gallery scuffled with four men ejected.
The angry scenes then continued outside the courtroom, with those inside locked in for their safety.
Heath who was wearing a pink chequered shirt and black jeans, spoke to confirm her name and address.
She also apologised to magistrates for the disorder and appealed to the gallery for calm.
No plea was entered.
Heath was remanded in custody to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on August 12.
Hakeem was a Year 3 pupil at Nechells E-ACT Academy, 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.
'"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.
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."
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