PRESTON DAVEY CASE: 40 INJURIES, FAILED WARNING SIGNS AND A TRAGIC SYSTEM BREAKDOWN 

The case of 13-month-old Preston Davey has exposed a disturbing series of warning signs that investigators and a safeguarding review are now examining.

Preston was placed with Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley for adoption when he was nine months old. Less than four months later, he was dead.

COURT HEARD OF 40 TRAUMATIC INJURIES

A post-mortem examination identified 40 external and internal injuries, including numerous bruises and injuries consistent with sexual abuse. Prosecutors said Preston had been routinely ill-treated while in the couple’s care. 

HE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO HOSPITAL MULTIPLE TIMES

In the weeks before his death, Preston was taken to hospital on several occasions, including after suffering a broken arm. Medical and safeguarding professionals encountered the child, but explanations given for his injuries were accepted at the time and he returned home.

On one occasion, bruising was reportedly explained using a video showing Preston pulling a toy box onto himself. Prosecutors later highlighted that the video had actually been recorded 12 days earlier.

THE FINAL DAY

On July 27, 2023, Preston was taken to hospital unresponsive.

Varley claimed the baby had been left in a bath and was later found submerged.

But medical evidence did not support that explanation. Doctors told the court Preston was dry, still wearing his nappy and showed no evidence of having inhaled water.

A pathologist concluded that Preston died from acute upper-airway obstruction, caused by either smothering or an object or objects being inserted into his mouth.

THE COURT HAS NOW DELIVERED ITS VERDICT

After an eight-week trial, Jamie Varley was convicted of murder and multiple sexual and physical abuse offences.

He received a whole-life order, meaning he will never be eligible for parole.

John McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of allowing Preston’s death, child cruelty and sexual assault and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

BUT ANOTHER INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The criminal trial has ended, but questions surrounding the child-protection system have not.

An independent safeguarding review is examining the involvement of agencies responsible for Preston’s welfare and whether opportunities existed to identify the danger before it was too late.

The court findings establish the defendants’ criminal responsibility. Claims about additional “hidden evidence,” secret messages or an exact timeline not contained in verified court reporting should not be presented as fact.

Preston was just 13 months old. The question now is not only how he was failed — but whether the system can learn enough from his case to prevent another child from being missed.