Blackpool Victoria Hospital is facing renewed criticism after separate reviews highlighted missed opportunities to identify child abuse before the deaths of two young boys.
The concerns emerged following the murder cases of Preston Davey and Damion Russell. Both toddlers suffered severe abuse at the hands of their fathers. Reviews found that healthcare professionals failed to fully investigate visible injuries before the children died.
Questions Raised Following Preston Davey Case
Thirteen month old Preston Davey died in July 2023 after suffering prolonged physical and sexual abuse. His father, Jamie Varley, later received a whole life prison sentence after being convicted of murder and multiple other serious offences.
Before Preston’s death, he visited the hospital’s emergency department on three occasions. During those visits, medical staff noticed bruising. However, they accepted explanations provided by Varley.
Investigators later discovered that a video shown by Varley as evidence of an accidental injury had been recorded nearly two weeks earlier. The footage could not explain the fresh bruising found on Preston.
Authorities have launched an independent review to examine how agencies responded before the child’s death.
Similar Concerns Raised in Damion Russell Review
The hospital has also faced criticism in the case of two year old Damion Russell, who died in August 2023.
A safeguarding review found that medical staff noticed an older bruise on Damion’s head during a hospital visit. Despite identifying the injury, they did not ask his father, Daniel Hardcastle, how it had happened.
The review stated that staff did not follow expected safeguarding procedures. Experts believe further questioning may have provided important information about the child’s welfare.
Damion visited the hospital just one day before one of Preston’s emergency department visits.
Father Jailed for Brutal Murder
During sentencing, the court heard details of the horrific abuse suffered by Damion.
Medical evidence showed the toddler had injuries across his body, including an adult bite mark. He later died from a severe brain injury caused by a violent assault.
Hardcastle had gained sole custody of his son only three months before the murder. In July 2024, the court sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years.
Calls for Wider Investigation
The similarities between the two cases have led to calls for broader investigations into safeguarding practices.
Hannah Joy Hocking, who has supported Damion’s biological mother throughout the review process, believes any inquiry should include both cases.
She said news surrounding Preston’s case immediately reminded her of Damion and raised concerns about whether warning signs were missed in both situations.
The tragic deaths of Preston Davey and Damion Russell have intensified scrutiny of child protection procedures. Authorities continue to review how healthcare and safeguarding agencies handled concerns before the boys lost their lives.
