DAVID Wooler, Crown Advocate for the Crown Prosecution Service in Wales praised the hard work done to build the case against Carl Whant.

He said: “The prosecuting authorities worked hard to build a robust case against Carl Whant and we are content that the jury, having listened to and digested all of the evidence, has seen fit to convict him.

“A large number of people have supported this trial as witnesses and we would like to thank each and every one of them for their strength and resilience.

“When we reviewed the initial evidence gathered by Gwent Police back in February last year, the truly horrific nature of the crimes committed was all too apparent.

“I think many of us involved in highly emotive cases such as this one experience a strange mixture of emotions at its conclusion.

“Whilst we may feel that a conviction provides vindication for the immense amount of hard work that goes into a major criminal investigation and prosecution, we are acutely aware that today’s verdict does not bring back Nikitta or Kelsey-May.

“Equally, whilst we may move on to our next case, the family and friends of the victims are left to grieve their loss for many years to come. All we can do is hope that today’s conviction at least allows them to take one small step forward in rebuilding their lives.”