Story perspectives

Thousands Petition Inquiry into Baby Preston's Smothering Murder

6/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

A petition for a public inquiry into baby Preston Davey’s murder has gathered thousands of signatures.
Jamie Varley received a whole-life order for murder and John McGowan-Fazakerley got 25 years for child cruelty.
A Home Office post-mortem found Preston died from acute airway obstruction caused by deliberate smothering or an object, with 40 injuries.
Children’s Commissioner called the case a state failure and urged MPs to demand a full public inquiry.

History

Historical Context

The 1993 murder of James Bulger by Robert Thompson and Jon Venables led Home Secretary Michael Howard to raise their minimum term in July 1994 after a petition of almost 280,000 signatures. Citing the 1999 European Court ruling on their adult trial and Maggie Atkinson’s 2010 call to raise the age of criminal responsibility, signatories now demand a public inquiry into Preston Davey’s death.

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Story summary

A petition for a public inquiry into baby Preston Davey’s murder has gathered thousands of signatures.
Jamie Varley received a whole-life order for murder and John McGowan-Fazakerley got 25 years for child cruelty.
A Home Office post-mortem found Preston died from acute airway obstruction caused by deliberate smothering or an object, with 40 injuries.
Children’s Commissioner called the case a state failure and urged MPs to demand a full public inquiry.

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