Calls are mounting for an investigation into child safeguarding failures to be widened after concerns emerged about a second toddler murdered by his father following missed warning signs at the same hospital involved in the Preston Davey case.
Preston Davey Case
Thirteen-month-old Preston Davey died on July 27, 2023, after suffering sustained sexual and physical abuse at the hands of his adoptive father, Jamie Varley, a teacher from Blackpool. His death sparked widespread public outrage and prompted an independent review into the actions of agencies involved in his care.
Damion Russell Case
Attention has now turned to the case of two-year-old Damion Russell, whose father, Daniel Hardcastle, later murdered him after hospital staff failed to question an unexplained bruise on the child's head. Damion attended Blackpool Victoria Hospital in June 2023, just one day before Preston made the last of three visits to the hospital's emergency department. Two months later, in August 2023, Damion was killed during what prosecutors described as a "horrifically violent" assault by Hardcastle, 31.
Growing Calls for Expanded Review
Advocates argue that the independent review should be expanded to include Damion's case, given the striking similarities and the involvement of the same hospital. The missed opportunities to intervene in both cases have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of child protection protocols at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
A spokesperson for the local safeguarding children board said: "We are aware of the concerns and are considering whether the scope of the current review should be extended to include other relevant cases."
The Daily Star has learned that Damion's mother is also calling for a full investigation, stating that her son's death could have been prevented if staff had acted on the visible bruise.
