Inquest into Baby Preston Davey's Death Expected in 2027 Following Abuse Conviction
Delayed inquiry to scrutinize public authority actions after infant's murder by adoptive parents.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
An inquest into the death of nine-month-old Baby Preston Davey, who died in July 2023, is now highly likely to proceed in 2027, following the convictions of his adoptive parents for his murder.
The court heard the couple subjected Preston to 'unremitting abuse,' including sex assaults and physical attacks, using the infant as their 'plaything.'
An inquest initially opened, then suspended during extensive police investigations and subsequent trials.
On Monday, July 20, Blackpool's senior coroner, Alan Wilson, held a pre-inquest review, confirming the strong likelihood of a full inquest.
Wilson stated an inquest into Preston's death is 'highly likely,' though a final decision remains pending.
Under UK law, an inquest's findings cannot contradict a homicide conviction; instead, they focus on the circumstances surrounding the death.
Preston was born while his mother was in custody, later placed with temporary adoptive parents before Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley adopted him.
Officers responded after Preston first arrived at the hospital with injuries, and safeguarding concerns arose, but authorities took no further action at that time.
This initial failure to intervene demands scrutiny for the upcoming inquiry, which will examine mechanisms designed to protect vulnerable children.
This initial failure to intervene demands scrutiny for the upcoming inquiry.
Meanwhile, a review into Preston's death by the Oldham Safeguarding Children's Partnership has resumed its work.
This comprehensive review by the Oldham Safeguarding Children's Partnership will likely only conclude by January 2027.
An inquest cannot proceed until the Oldham Council review finalizes, meaning the earliest possible date for the inquest falls after January 2027.
Wilson stated an inquiry will probably take place in the autumn of 2027, subject to submissions from lawyers representing other public bodies.
He claims acts and omissions of public authorities demand scrutiny in a public hearing, allowing Preston's family to participate.
Acts and omissions of public authorities demand scrutiny in a public hearing, allowing Preston's family to participate.
Wilson emphasized the necessity of scrutinizing public bodies, particularly concerning their duty to safeguard life.
An Article 2 inquest specifically probes the circumstances surrounding a death when a potential violation of the state's duty to safeguard life exists, a critical lens for this case.
The Minister for Children and Families informed the court that the work to be undertaken is advisory in nature and not statutory, which could influence the review's scope and impact.
The earliest a hearing could be arranged is June or July of the following year, but the coroner declines to schedule it to coincide with the anniversary of Preston's death.
This delay, stretching years beyond the initial tragedy, reveals the complex legal and administrative landscape surrounding child protection failures and the pursuit of accountability.