Preston Davey child abuse case spurs UK call for national safeguarding inquiry

Baby Preston Davey, a 13‑month‑old adopted by Jamie Varley and John McGowan‑Fazakerley in Blackpool, was subjected to severe physical and sexual abuse before being smothered to death in July 2023. A post‑mortem found around 40 injuries and ruled out drowning. Varley received a whole‑life prison term and McGowan‑Fazakerley was jailed for 25 years.

A petition demanding a nationwide public inquiry into the safeguarding failures that allowed the tragedy has gathered over 17,500 signatures, backed by local MPs and the Children’s Commissioner for England. The case has highlighted broader systemic issues, including Oldham council’s failure to act on 37 previous referrals concerning another child and its status as the area with the highest rate of physical child abuse in the country.

Authorities have launched an independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review, while campaigners and lawmakers press the government for a full inquiry into how state‑run care could place a vulnerable child in such danger.