A MOTHER who was jailed for life for murdering her baby son before she was released following an appeal has been labelled a loner who drank regularly.

Kimberley Hainey was always drinking whenever she spent time with neighbour Catherine Rowand, 37, the fatal accident inquiry into her 15-month-old son Declan Hainey heard yesterday.

Ms Rowand told the hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court she would spend time with Hainey at her flat in the town two or three times a week in early 2009, the year before the baby died.

Ms Rowand said: "Kim would always have alcohol - her wine. It was just social."

Declan was found dead in his rubbish-strewn cot at the flat, above Ms Rowand's home. His exact cause of death has not been confirmed.

The inquiry continues.

The inquiry continues,