'Scrutiny' needed over Preston Davey death, coroner says

Concerns have been raised regarding the involvement of public agencies in the events surrounding the tragic death of Preston Davey, an adopted baby who was murdered. At a recent session held at Blackpool Coroner’s Court, Alan Wilson, the senior coroner for Blackpool and Fylde, indicated that he is “highly likely” to proceed with an inquest into the death of the 13-month-old child, though no final decision has yet been made.

Preston, described as a “highly visible” adopted child, was killed in a sexually motivated attack on 27 July 2023 by Jamie Varley, a former high school teacher aged 37. Varley and his partner, 32-year-old John McGowan-Fazakerley, who had adopted Preston just four months earlier, were both convicted and subsequently imprisoned in June. The court was told that the child endured persistent sexual assaults and physical abuse at their Blackpool residence, with the couple treating him as a “plaything.” Varley received a whole life sentence for murder along with 24 other offences, while McGowan was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Preston had visited Blackpool Victoria Hospital three times prior to his death and had been assessed by a number of professionals including medical personnel, social workers, and welfare officers from various organizations. An inquest into his death was initially opened but was later paused while the police completed their investigation, which ultimately led to the criminal trial of his adoptive parents. Coroner Wilson emphasized that although many relevant issues were addressed during the eight-week trial, he must still determine whether an inquest should continue. He suggested the inquest will probably resume in the autumn of next year and described it as “a wide-ranging inquiry,” necessary for the scrutiny of the actions and potential failings of public bodies involved, allowing Preston’s family to engage in the process.

While there have been calls for a public inquiry into the case, the coroner clarified that such a decision is beyond his jurisdiction. The court also heard that a safeguarding review led by Oldham Safeguarding Children’s Partnership, which had been temporarily halted during the trial, has now resumed but is unlikely to conclude before January 2027, delaying the inquest further. Discussions during the hearing addressed which individuals and public organizations should have legal representation at the inquest, including Preston’s biological mother and grandmother, who were not present but were represented by lawyers. It was revealed that Preston had been born while his mother was incarcerated and had been denied a place in a mother and baby unit in prison. As a result, Preston was removed from his mother through a court order issued by Oldham Council and placed initially with temporary adoptive parents before being adopted by Varley and McGowan.

The hearing also included representatives from Adoption Now, the body responsible for handling Preston’s adoption, as well as lawyers from Bolton Council, which was described as the “host” council for the organization. Although Oldham Council managed the adoption process, Bolton Council was said to have a role as well. Legal representatives for Preston’s father, Gary Nolan, and the NHS trust operating Blackpool Victoria Hospital were also present. The court is yet to determine whether South Shore Academy, the high school where Varley worked, and Lancashire Police will have legal representation at the inquest. Testimony during the trial noted that police officers had been called after Preston’s first hospital visit due to injuries and safeguarding concerns, but no further action was taken at that time. The coroner adjourned the hearing with plans for a further session in October, offering condolences to Preston’s father and acknowledging the approaching anniversary of the child’s death

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More