PRESTON DAVEY: THE WARNING SIGNS THAT APPEARED BEFORE HIS FINAL HOSPITAL VISIT

The tragedy of 13-month-old Preston Davey did not begin on the day he died. Court evidence revealed a series of earlier hospital visits, unexplained injuries and a medical timeline that is now raising difficult safeguarding questions.

IT WASN’T JUST ONE HOSPITAL VISIT

On July 27, 2023, Preston was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital unconscious and in cardiac arrest.

He could not be saved.

The explanation initially given was that Preston had accidentally drowned in a bath.

But a Home Office post-mortem later ruled out drowning and identified acute upper airway obstruction, consistent with smothering or an obstruction in the mouth.

THEN INVESTIGATORS LOOKED BACK

The medical history revealed that Preston had already been taken to hospital several times during the months he was living with his prospective adoptive parents.

On June 30, he was brought to A&E with symptoms including a rash, diarrhoea, vomiting and a high temperature.

Medical staff also noted bruising to his head.

A home video was shown as an explanation for the injury — but the footage was later found to have been recorded 12 days earlier, adding another layer to the timeline.

DAYS LATER, ANOTHER INJURY

On July 6, Preston was taken to hospital again, this time with an injury to his left arm.

The explanation given was that the injury happened while he was being placed into his cot.

The case would later reveal that Preston had suffered a healing fracture that experts considered non-accidental.

THEN CAME THE FINAL DAY

Three weeks later, Preston was back in hospital.

This time, doctors were unable to save him.

The post-mortem identified around 40 traumatic injuries, including external bruising and internal injuries involving his mouth and throat, as well as other areas of his body.

The medical findings ultimately contradicted the bath-drowning explanation.

THE QUESTION NOW ISN’T ONLY WHAT HAPPENED

Jamie Varley was convicted of murder following the trial and later received a whole-life order. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, was convicted of allowing the death of a child and other offences and received a 25-year sentence.

But another process is now examining what happened before Preston’s death.

An independent safeguarding practice review commissioned by Oldham Council has resumed after being paused during the criminal proceedings.

Its purpose is to examine the handling of Preston’s safeguarding and the involvement of agencies responsible for his welfare.

COULD EARLIER WARNING SIGNS HAVE BEEN RECOGNISED?

That is one of the most difficult questions left by the case.

A baby was repeatedly brought to hospital.

There were injuries.

There were explanations.

And each time, Preston returned to the same environment.

The later investigation revealed a far more disturbing picture than the circumstances initially presented to medical staff.

The final hospital visit exposed the crime.

But the earlier medical timeline may hold important lessons about whether warning signs could have been recognised sooner.**

13 months old.

Multiple hospital visits.

Earlier injuries and explanations now examined in hindsight.

A murder conviction and whole-life sentence.

And a safeguarding review now looking at what happened before it was too late.

This post summarizes publicly reported court evidence and official findings. The safeguarding review is separate from the criminal convictions and should not be treated as proof that any individual agency or professional was legally responsible for Preston’s death.