Shock lingers in street where Hayley’s life was cut short

Neighbours in the quiet street where Hayley Davidson lived her short, tragic life were stunned to learn of her death two years ago.

The horror and revulsion was just as acute yesterday on West High Street in Buckhaven after Gordon McKay admitted to killing her.

Residents struggled to comprehend how an innocent tot could die at the hands of an adult who was supposed to be caring for her.

Rio Allagui said: “Everyone was disgusted and angry at the time. She was just a baby.”

Another man, who did not want to be named, said he was glad McKay had “the sense” to plead guilty to culpable homicide, preventing Hayley’s family from the ordeal of a potentially lengthy court trial. He said: It is such a sad, sad case. “I never saw her but I saw photos of the little girl and it is really upsetting.”

Hayley’s grandmother Leah Wilkie, whose son Kevin Flood had split up with Hayley’s mother Catherine Davidson, lived across the road.

She told The Courier of her distress as her granddaughter fought for her life for three days in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh but could not be contacted yesterday.

Hayley’s grandfather Michael Brand did not wish to speak about the tragedy and her maternal grandmother, Maureen Milne, could not be contacted for comment.

A spokesman for children’s charity NSPCC Scotland said: “This is a shocking and desperately sad case with Hayley’s life tragically cut short.

“It is a sad reality that cases of abuse and neglect most often involve people close to the victim.

“Babies and young children are completely dependent on those who care for them and we all have a duty to look out for their welfare.”

SNP councillor John O’Brien, who represents the Methil, Buckhaven, and Wemyss Villages ward, said: “It’s a real tragedy. A young child has lost her life through circumstances beyond all belief.

“My heart goes out to the family and I just can’t understand how anything like this can happen in this day and age.”

Fellow ward councillor Ryan Smart said: “My condolences go out to the family and everybody affected by this.”