Mother was not prepared for birth

A MOTHER who was convicted of neglecting and murdering her baby son failed to prepare properly for his birth, an inquiry into his death has heard.

Kimberley Hainey was jailed for life in 2012 over Declan’s death but was released last April on appeal.

Yesterday at a Fatal Accident Inquiry, a senior social worker said he noted at the time that Ms Hainey, a heroin addict, was illequipped for Declan’s arrival just a month before he was born.

Speaking about a pre-birth meeting he had with the 39-year-old in March 2008, just a few weeks before Declan’s birth on April 17 that year,

Hugh Madden said: “There was a lack of preparation and poor insight into baby needs.”

But Mr Madden, a social worker with Renfrewshire Council, said all was well by the time Declan entered the world.

He said Ms Hainey’s issues were “addressed by her regular attendance” at meetings with organisations such as the YMCA and SNIPS – Special Needs In Pregnancy Services.

The inquiry, before Sheriff Ruth Anderson, continues at Paisley Sheriff Court.