David Gaut: Baby killer murdered in Welsh village he had just moved to after 33 years in prison

'Everyone knew he killed a baby and everyone was talking about it,' neighbour says

A baby killer has been murdered just weeks after returning to the area where he committed the crime more than three decades ago.

David Gaut was found dead inside his flat in the Welsh village of New Tredegar on Saturday, when police said no cause of death could immediately be established.

Three men, aged 23, 47 and 51, have since been arrested on suspicion of murder and they remain in police custody.

​Gaut, who was 54, spent 33 years in prison after being jailed for life for torturing and murdering his then girlfriend’s 17-month-old son in Caerphilly in 1985.

Gaut was 21 when he killed Chi Ming Shek while his mother was out, then hid the body under a chest of drawers and attempted to make the death look accidental.

The murder was described by a judge who jailed Gaut for life as the “worst crime in the land”.

Mr Justice Caldfield said at the time: “The person murdered was a defenceless little baby, and on the jury’s finding you not only murdered that child but also tortured him.”

Gaut is believed to have been released from prison last year, and moved to the flat in Long Row in recent months.

Neighbours told Wales Online he arrived in the village six weeks ago and admitted he had been in prison for 33 years, but did not talk about his crime.

“He first of all told us he was inside for a crime but he didn’t do it,” one man said. “He then said he had shot someone a long time ago but we knew that wasn’t true.

“Everyone knew he killed a baby and everyone was talking about it.”

Prisoners serving long terms for serious crimes are routinely released into probation hostels to be monitored and given support, before being helped with finding housing and employment in the community.

A Prison and Probation Service spokesperson said: “Thorough risk assessments are carried out before deciding on accommodation for offenders released on licence.

“There is an ongoing police investigation, so it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 quoting log 304 of 4/8/18, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Additional reporting by PA