AN MSP has called for an independent inquiry into the death of toddler Declan Hainey.

It came as it was revealed the legal aid bill for his drug addict mother Kimberley amounted to almost £140,000.

Declan died on an undisclosed date at a flat in Bruce Road, Paisley. His decomposed body was found in March 2010.

His mother was found guilty of murder, but the 38-year-old was freed last week after the Court of Criminal Appeal ruled a miscarriage of justice had taken place and quashed the conviction.

The Crown then said it would apply to the Sheriff Court to hold a Fatal Accident Inquiry into the youngster's death.

Today, West Of Scotland MSP Neil Bibby said: "I have continuously called for a full independent inquiry into the death of Declan.

"The system has failed him and we need a full inquiry to establish why. Why were warning bells ignored? Why was early intervention not taken?

"I hope a Fatal Accident Inquiry will happen soon. We need to know the answers to these and many other questions and we must know that lessons have been learned.

"If it does not provide those answers then the First Minister and Scottish Government need to set up an inquiry that will."

A significant case review into health and social work staff involvement in Declan and his mother's lives has already been held. It recommended 16 areas of improvement for council and NHS services.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board explained the reasons for the £140,000 bill behind Hainey's defence.

He said: "In solemn criminal cases, legal aid is only available to those who meet a financial eligibility test and cannot afford to pay for their defence themselves.

"The amounts were for legal aid costs incurred by counsel and solicitors, and for solicitors' outlays during the complex initial five week trial and the subsequent appeal against convictions.

"We only pay for work that has actually and reasonably been done and, where this is assessed as not being the case, payments will be reduced accordingly."

The Judiciary of Scotland has also issued a statement apologising to two expert witnesses who gave evidence in the original trial.

Forensic anthropologists Professor Susan Black and Dr Craig Cunningham, of Dundee University, were reported to have been labelled "quack" doctors in the Appeal Court judgement statement of opinion.

But the Judiciary of Scotland said: "We would like to make it clear no such implication was ever intended."

On behalf of the two academics, a spokesman said: "We note and welcome the statement from the Judiciary of Scotland."

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk