Preston Davey Review ‘Must Include Second Murdered Child’

During Hardcastle’s sentencing hearing at Preston Crown Court, a judge described how the boy, who died of brain damage, was found “covered in injuries from head to toe and front to back”, including adult bite marks.

Hardcastle, who was released in July 2024 with a minimum of 22 years to life in prison, recently won sole custody of his son.

In Damion’s case, a custody practice review in November said doctors noticed a wound on the toddler’s head but did not ask the father what caused it. Blackpool Lead reported, External.

The review, by Blackpool Safeguarding Children Partnership, said this did not meet “expected practice”.

In Preston’s case, Varley convinced doctors by showing him a video on his phone of his son’s injuries.

However, it was later revealed that the video was recorded 12 days ago and could not explain any fresh wounds.

Varley was charged with murder And other charges including rape and last week he was jailed for life in full – partner John McGowan-Fazakerley – was jailed for 25 years for allowing the death of a child and sex offences.