Public officials should be scrutinised over the abuse and murder of adopted baby Preston Davey, coroner urges

Published: 16:27, 20 July 2026 | Updated: 16:29, 20 July 2026 Public officials must be scrutinised over the abuse and murder of adopted baby Preston Davey, a coroner has urged.  Speaking at Blackpool Coroner's Court on Monday, senior coroner for Blackpool and Fylde, Alan Wilson, said it is 'highly likely' an inquest will be held into 13-month-old Preston's death - but no final decision has been made yet.  Preston was nine months old when he was adopted by predator Jamie Varley, 37, and his partner, 32-year-old John McGowan-Fazakerley.  He had been taken from his mother, convicted murderer Sarah Davey, by an emergency care order by Oldham Council and placed into foster care at five days old. Across a period of four months, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley subjected the infant to physical, sexual and emotional abuse until his death on July 27, 2023.  Following an eight-week trial at Preston Crown Court, Varley was handed a whole life term last month for the abuse and final, fatal sexual assault committed against the infant.  McGowan-Fazakerley was handed 25 years for his role in the abuse and his complicity in allowing Varley's campaign of crimes.  The court heard how the couple, who lived in Blackpool, used Preston as their 'plaything,' with the infant suffering 'unremitting abuse' of sex assaults and physical attacks. Jamie Varley, 37, (left) was was given a whole life order for the murder of Preston Davey and his boyfriend, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, (right) was sentenced to 25 years Preston Davey, who died aged 13 months, was smothered and sexually assaulted The men had brought Preston to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on three occasions before his murder, where he was seen by a 'battery of professionals' including medical staff, social workers and welfare officers from various bodies.  Speaking at the hearing, Mr Wilson said an inquest was initially opened following Preston's death, but this was later suspended while police investigated and trials were ultimately held.  He said he had to consider if the inquest should continue given the 'relevant issues' already heard during the criminal trial.  However, while Mr Wilson confirmed a final decision has not been made, subject to submissions from lawyers for other public bodies it was 'highly likely' an inquiry will take place, probably in the autumn of 2027.  He said: 'I feel there's sufficient reason to resume. There are acts and omissions of public authorities that need to be scrutinised in a public hearing in which Preston's family can participate. 'It's clearly going to be a wide-ranging inquiry.' Mr Wilson added he was aware calls had been made for a public inquiry, but his role meant it is not a matter for himself to consider, rather to proceed on the basis of whether or not to hold an inquest. Preston Davey's short, tragic life was bookmarked by murder, by his mother and then his adoptive parents Preston Davey with his birth mother Sarah Davey, who carried out a horrific crime as a teenager  The court heard a review into Preston's death by Oldham Safeguarding Children's Partnership has resumed following its suspension while Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley's trial took place.  The review is expected to be complete by January 2027. Until then it was confirmed an inquest cannot go ahead.  The hearing went on to address which people and public bodies - including Preston's biological mother and grandmother - should be legally represented at any inquest. Mother Sarah and grandmother, Debbie Davey, were not present in court but were represented by lawyers. Preston was born while Sarah was in custody and a place in a mother and baby unit in the prison was refused.  Instead, he was taken from her by a court order from Oldham Council and placed with temporary adoptive parents before being adopted by Varley and McGowan. Sarah has been in and out of jail after being handed a mandatory life sentence for murder in July 1999. She and 15-year-old Lisa Healey had befriended and murdered a frail pensioner before stuffing her body into a bin and throwing it in Rochdale Canal.  Adoption Now, the service responsible for Preston's adoption, were represented at the hearing alongside Bolton Council, who were described as the 'host' council for the body. It was heard that while Oldham Council managed Preston's adoption, Bolton Council also a had a role. Also present at the hearing were lawyers for Gary Nolan, Preston's father, and legal representatives for the NHS trust running Blackpool Victoria Hospital. It is yet to be decided if South Shore Academy, the high school where Varley worked should be involved in the inquest. It is also undecided if Lancashire Police should have lawyers representing the force at an inquest. The trial heard their officers were called after Preston had been taken for the first time to hospital suffering injuries and safeguarding concerns were raised, but no further action was taken. Mr Wilson adjourned for a further hearing to be held in October, telling Preston's father: 'Please accept everyone's condolences, I'm conscious we are approaching his anniversary.'