Hospital Encountered Another Murdered Toddler Before Preston Davey
Medical staff at the hospital where Preston Davey was taken by his adoptive father following a fatal attack had also seen another toddler the day prior, who was later murdered.
Thirteen-month-old Preston was subjected to sexual and physical abuse by Jamie Varley, a high school teacher from Blackpool, before his death on 27 July 2023.
Varley’s trial sparked widespread public outrage, and an independent review is currently underway to examine the actions of various agencies prior to Preston’s death.
Failure to Question Father About Bruising on Another Toddler
Damion Russell was killed by his father, Daniel Hardcastle, just weeks after staff at Blackpool Victoria Hospital did not question him about old bruising on Damion’s head, according to the Blackpool Lead report.
The review conducted by Blackpool Safeguarding Children Partnership concluded that this failure did not meet the "expected practice" standards.
Hannah Joy Hocking, a friend of Damion’s biological mother who has been assisting her through the process, emphasized that any inquiry should also include Damion’s case.
"I've seen the news articles about Preston recently, and my brain instantly just went into thinking about Damion," she said.
Damion, aged two, was seen at the hospital the day before Preston’s final visit to the emergency department.
Details of Damion Russell’s Death
A court was informed that Damion had suffered a "horrifically violent" attack by his father in August 2023.
Daniel Hardcastle murdered his son Damion just three months after being granted sole custody.
During Hardcastle’s sentencing hearing at Preston Crown Court, the judge described how Damion, who died from a brain injury, was found "covered in injuries, top to toe and front to back," including an adult bite mark.
Hardcastle was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years in July 2024.
In Damion’s case, a safeguarding practice review in November found that although medical staff noticed a bruise on the toddler’s head, they did not inquire about its cause from his father.
Preston Davey’s Case and Medical Oversight
In Preston’s situation, Varley had convinced medical staff that bruising on the child was accidental by showing a video on his phone.
However, it was later revealed that the video had been recorded 12 days earlier and did not explain any new bruising.
Varley was convicted of murder and multiple other charges, including rape, and was sentenced to a whole life prison term last week. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, received a 25-year sentence for allowing the death of a child and for sexual offences.
Preston Davey died in July 2023, four months after being adopted.
Both children had recently been removed from foster families and placed with the parents who ultimately murdered them.
Coroner’s Service and Calls for Inquiry
Blackpool’s coroners’ service can investigate whether there were broader causes contributing to their deaths but has closed Damion’s case and has yet to decide on Preston’s.
Blackpool South’s Labour MP Chris Webb and Fylde MP Andrew Snowden have called for a public inquiry into possible safeguarding failures related to Preston Davey.
Hannah Joy Hocking, who has been supporting Damion’s mother, expressed her views on the need for a full inquiry.
"I think there should be a full inquiry, I completely agree with that and I feel like people need to stand up for these two little boys.
"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."
Hospital Trust Response
The trust operating Blackpool Victoria Hospital acknowledged the importance of continuously improving practices and providing reassurance to families using its services.
It stated that work had already begun prior to the publication of the review into Damion’s case to support staff in the Emergency Department and other areas caring for children, ensuring appropriate examinations are conducted and staff feel confident in asking pertinent questions.
The trust also indicated it would carefully consider evidence presented during the trial concerning Preston Davey’s death.
Chief Executive Maggie Oldham said:
"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."
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