Investigation into Toddler's Death May Expand to Include Second Case
An independent review examining the circumstances surrounding the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey is now being urged to encompass the case of two-year-old Damion Russell. Both toddlers were tragically murdered by their fathers after receiving medical attention at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, raising concerns about potential safeguarding oversights.
Preston Davey died on July 27, 2023, after suffering sexual and physical abuse at the hands of his adoptive father, Jamie Varley, a high school teacher from Blackpool. Varley was recently convicted of murder and other charges, receiving a whole life prison term. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, was sentenced to 25 years for allowing the child's death and sexual offenses. The ongoing review into Preston's case is scrutinizing the actions of various agencies involved.
Similarities Emerge in Separate Tragedies
Damion Russell was murdered by his father, Daniel Hardcastle, 31, in August 2023, just one month after Preston's death. A court heard that Damion died from a brain injury and was found with numerous injuries, including an adult bite mark. Hardcastle, who had only recently been granted sole custody, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years in July 2024.
A safeguarding practice review into Damion's case, conducted by the Blackpool Safeguarding Children Partnership in November, highlighted a critical lapse: medics at Blackpool Victoria Hospital observed a bruise on the toddler's head but failed to inquire about its cause from his father. This was deemed a deviation from "expected practice."
In Preston's case, Varley had presented a video to medical staff to explain bruising, claiming it was accidental. However, it was later discovered the video was recorded almost two weeks prior and did not account for fresh injuries.
Calls for Broader Inquiry
Both children had recently been moved from foster care to live with the parents who ultimately murdered them. While Blackpool's coroners' service is considering Preston's case, Damion's case has been closed.
Chris Webb, Labour MP for Blackpool South, and Andrew Snowden, MP for Fylde, have called for a public inquiry into potential safeguarding failures related to Preston Davey. Hannah Joy Hocking, a friend assisting Damion's biological mother, has advocated for any such inquiry to include Damion's case, stating, "I feel like Preston's getting a lot of attention at the moment and I do feel like Damion got a little bit left behind."
"We need to do better, and we know that the state has been failing these young kids, young babies." - Chris Webb, Blackpool South MP
The trust operating Blackpool Victoria Hospital acknowledged the importance of strengthening practices and reassuring families. They stated that work to support staff in emergency departments and other areas caring for children was already underway before the review into Damion's case was published. This initiative aims to ensure appropriate examinations and that staff are confident in asking relevant questions. The trust also confirmed it would "carefully consider" evidence from the trial into Preston Davey's death.
Maggie Oldham, Chief Executive, affirmed, "Families bringing their children to our hospital can expect our teams to ask questions about any bumps, bruises or other injuries identified, whether recent or older. For babies who are not walking independently, our teams will carry out a full examination while they are in the Emergency Department."
Source: Preston Davey review 'should include second murdered baby'