IT is “highly likely” an inquest will be held into the death of murdered adopted baby Preston Davey, a coroner said today, as a hearing was told public bodies need to be scrutinised.

Former teacher Jamie Varley murdered the 13-month-old during a sex attack in July 2023, four months after he and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, adopted Preston.

They treated the child as their “plaything,” with the baby suffering “unremitting abuse” of sex assaults and physical attacks at their Blackpool home.

Mr Varley was given a whole life term, while Mr McGowan-Fazakerley was jailed for 25 years.

Senior coroner Alan Wilson told Blackpool Coroner’s Court he had not made a final decision but believed an inquest would likely take place in autumn 2027.

“There are acts and omissions of public authorities that need to be scrutinised in a public hearing in which Preston’s family can participate,” he said. “It’s clearly going to be a wide-ranging inquiry.”

Little Preston had been taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital three times before his death and seen by numerous professionals, including social workers and medical staff.

A safeguarding review by Oldham Safeguarding Children’s Partnership is ongoing.

The hearing was adjourned until October.