A Scots mum is in a state of shock over the killing of a man who brutally murdered her toddler 33 years ago.
Neighbours are believed to have found out about the sickening past of David Gaut, whose body was discovered by police at his rented flat in New Tredegar, Caerphilly. He moved in to the property just six weeks ago and lived alone.
The 54-year-old was jailed for life for the murder and torture of 17-month-old Chi Ming Shek - known as Marky – 33 years ago. He was released from jail last November.
Gaut was found dead on Saturday in the Welsh village, 11 miles from where he killed Marky.
Two men, aged 23 and 51, of New Tredegar, and a man, 47, of Aberbargoed, have been arrested on suspicion of his murder.
Marky’s mum, Jane Pickthall, returned to Scotland after her baby’s sickening death. She now lives in Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, with her husband, Alan Thomson, and two sons.
One son, George, said: “My mum is absolutely shocked and doesn’t want to speak to anyone at the moment.”
In 1985, Jane, then 23, had been out drinking and left Gaut, who was 21, to look after her two young children. She arrived home and had sex with Gaut – but the next day found Marky’s body under a chest of drawers.
A murder trial at Cardiff Crown Court heard the tot died of multiple injuries including a broken arm, injured liver and spleen, and a fractured skull.
Locals in New Tredegar said feelings had been running “very high” as people were convinced Gaut was the child killer.
One neighbour said: “Everyone knew he killed a baby.”
