THE distraught parents of the “gentle giant” who died after being savagely beaten up on a Hampshire estate have spoken for the first time of their pain at his murder.

Shawn Williams, who was also known to his family as Simon, collapsed just hours after he was brutally attacked by a gang in the Northam area of Southampton.

His body was found some 17 days later in woodland, just a short walk from Southampton General Hospital where he had discharged himself after being treated for serious head injuries he suffered in the unprovoked attack.

Today his grieving parents – who have both asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals – have spoken exclusively to the Daily Echo about their sorrow at his death, and horror at the injuries he was left with.

Shawn’s father said: “When I first saw the picture you have all seen I had to ask myself, is that really my poor son under that battered and bruised face, and unfortunately it was.

“I asked the police to release it, in the hope that someone who knew my son’s attackers would be shocked and horrified enough to come forward and inform the police.

“It is very sad that it has only shocked my family, friends and the ‘nice people’ from the area where he was attacked.”

Shawn’s mum said his death had left a huge hole in the family, who “cherish him being a part of our lives for such a short time”.

She said: “Someone has taken away our right to talk, laugh, cry and be with him.

“We cannot comfort him, make him well again, hold his hand or kiss him goodbye.

“He will never have the chance to fulfil his heartfelt wish to be a husband and father.

“He will never know the joys and sorrows of parenthood, nor, thankfully, suffer the pain of losing his own child.”

After being set upon by thugs as he walked through Princes Court, between 7.30am and 8.30am on July 3, Shawn managed to stagger to a nearby bus stop and raise the alarm with a passer-by.

He was taken by ambulance to Southampton General Hospital, but detectives believe the 42-year-old collapsed shortly after discharging himself.

His body lay undiscovered in nearby Coxford for 17 days, until being spotted by dog walker Terry Clarke.

Shawn’s dad added he wanted to thank both Mr Clarke and the person who called the ambulance.