Coroner to examine safeguarding decisions in the death of toddler Preston Davey as calls grow for a national public inquiry
A new stage in the investigation into the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey is set to begin as a coroner prepares to review the case, with growing demands for a nationwide inquiry into how a child placed under state protection died after months of abuse.
Senior Coroner Alan Wilson is scheduled to hold an inquest review at Blackpool Town Hall on July 20, a procedural hearing expected to pave the way for a full inquest into Preston’s death. The hearing is anticipated to consider the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s care and whether opportunities to protect him were missed before his death.
Preston had been placed with prospective adoptive fathers Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, in March 2023.
Instead of finding a permanent family, prosecutors said the child endured months of serious physical and sexual abuse while living in the couple’s home.
During the criminal trial, the court heard that Preston suffered dozens of injuries over several months, including fractures and internal trauma. On July 27, 2023, he was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital after going into cardiac arrest.
Medical evidence presented during the trial concluded that the injuries leading to his death were not consistent with an accident. Prosecutors rejected claims that the toddler had accidentally submerged in a bath, instead arguing that he died after his airway was deliberately obstructed.
In June 2026, Varley received a whole-life order after being convicted of murder, child cruelty, and sexual offences involving the child.
McGowan-Fazakerley was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual offences.
Although the criminal proceedings resulted in lengthy prison sentences, attention has increasingly shifted toward the agencies responsible for safeguarding vulnerable children.
Evidence heard during the trial raised questions about repeated contacts between Preston and health services before his death.
The court was told the toddler attended hospital on multiple occasions with injuries that prosecutors described as suspicious. Social workers also visited the home during the placement, with concerns now being raised over whether warning signs should have prompted stronger intervention.
Another significant issue highlighted during the trial involved testimony from a former colleague of Varley, who said he had previously spoken about disturbing thoughts involving harm to the child.
Whether those warning signs should have triggered additional safeguarding measures is expected to be among the issues explored during the inquest process.
Campaigners say the review should examine communication between healthcare providers, social services, and the regional adoption agency responsible for overseeing the placement.
Public concern has continued to grow since the convictions.
The Blackpool Gazette, together with Blackpool South MP Chris Webb, has been campaigning for the UK Government to establish a full public inquiry into the case.
Supporters argue that an independent investigation is necessary to determine whether wider systemic failures contributed to Preston’s death and whether reforms are needed to better protect vulnerable children.
A petition supporting that call has attracted more than 114,000 signatures.
Several well-known public figures, including actor Olivia Colman, singer Ellie Goulding, Carrie Johnson, and child protection campaigner Paula Hudgell, have also voiced support for further scrutiny of the case.
For Preston’s family and supporters, the upcoming inquest represents another important step toward understanding exactly what happened and whether the systems designed to safeguard vulnerable children functioned as they should.
While the criminal case has concluded, the broader questions surrounding child protection, information sharing, and agency oversight remain unresolved.
The inquest is expected to examine those issues in greater detail as campaigners continue urging the government to consider a wider public inquiry aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
