A mother charged with murdering her son and attempting to murder her father has appeared in court.
Karolina Zurawska, 41, appeared before Swansea Crown court on Friday morning and is accused of murdering Alexander Zurawski, six, who was found dead at a property in Gendros on August 29.
The 41-year-old from Gendros, Swansea is also accused of attempting to murder her father, Krzysztof Siwi, 67, earlier the same day.
Zurawska appeared via video link from custody for the short administrative hearing before Judge Paul Thomas.
She was not asked to enter pleas to the two charges against her.
The judge vacated the trial date of February 17 to allow for further reports to take place.
A mention hearing for the case will take place instead on February 17 at Swansea Crown Court.
Judge Thomas told the court: ‘I hope on that date there will be progress in one way or another, if only in terms of fixing a new trial date.’
Alexander Zurawski, aged six, was found dead at a bungalow in Swansea on August 29
Karolina Zurawska, 41, appeared before Swansea Crown court on Friday morning and is accused of murdering Alexander Zurawski, six
An inquest held in September heard how emergency services rushed to the bungalow on August 29 to find little Alexander lying in a pool of blood
Mike Jones KC appeared for the prosecution during the hearing, while John Hipkin KC represented Zurawska.
An inquest held in September heard how emergency services rushed to the bungalow on August 29 to find little Alexander lying in a pool of blood.
Despite their best efforts he died at the scene.
The hearing held at Swansea Coroner’s Court was told that after a post-mortem Alexander’s cause of death has been given as ‘complex sharp force injury to the neck area’.
In a statement issued by South Wales Police following his death, Alexander’s family described him as a ‘very kind child’.
‘Alexander was always well-behaved and never naughty,’ they said.
‘He was very clever and very mature for his age. He had great understanding of facts.
‘Alexander was always helpful, always eager to assist with cooking and cleaning.
‘Alexander spoke both English and Polish and would often correct his parents with their English if they got words wrong.
‘He was amazing.’
The family also thanked the emergency services who responded to the incident.
Bethan Peterson, headteacher of Whitestone Primary School, said they were ‘devastated’ to hear of Alexander’s death.
‘Alexander was a delightful, determined little boy whose tenacity and positive demeanour ensured his success in all he undertook,’ she said.
‘He was an extremely loved and popular boy amongst his peers, staff and with all who knew him. He will be sadly missed.’