Preston Davey’s dad speaks of terror at emotional vigil

The biological father of murdered baby Preston Davey broke down as he described the “terror” his infant son suffered, speaking publicly for the first time at a candlelit vigil held in the child’s memory.

Gary Nolan, visibly overcome with grief, addressed a crowd of dozens who gathered to pay tribute to Preston, whose death has shaken the local community to its core. Candles, flowers, and soft toys were laid at the spot chosen for the vigil, a quiet memorial to a life that barely had the chance to begin.

A father’s anguish

Nolan said he couldn’t find words strong enough to describe what his son went through. “No baby should ever know that kind of terror,” he told those gathered, his voice cracking. “Preston deserved every chance in this world.”

He hadn’t been part of Preston’s day-to-day life, a fact that clearly weighed heavily on him as he spoke. But he was unequivocal about his love for the boy and his devastation at what happened. Still, he managed to thank the community for turning out in such numbers on a cold evening to remember his son.

Community gathers in grief

Around 60 people attended the vigil, many of them strangers who had simply read about Preston’s case online and felt compelled to come. Some brought handwritten notes. Others stood in silence, holding flames against the dark.

It’s the kind of turnout that speaks to something raw in people — the particular horror that attaches to crimes involving children. Preston was just 10 months old at the time of his death.

Local councillor Sandra Briggs, who attended to represent the wider community, said the response had been overwhelming.

“This town has come together in the most painful of circumstances, and that matters,” she said. “Preston won’t be forgotten.”

The case so far

Preston Davey died following injuries that investigators have described as non-accidental. A 26-year-old woman was arrested in connection with his death and remains under investigation. Police have not yet confirmed a trial date, but proceedings are expected to move forward in the coming months.

The case has prompted renewed calls from child welfare advocates for stronger early intervention systems. And while those conversations are important, on the night of the vigil, politics felt distant. This was about one baby, one family, and one community trying to make sense of the senseless.

What happens next

Gary Nolan said he intends to pursue justice for Preston through every legal avenue available to him. He’s spoken with solicitors and plans to remain closely involved as the case progresses through the courts.

A fundraising page set up in Preston’s name has already raised more than £4,200, with donations still coming in. Organisers say the money will go toward a permanent memorial.

The vigil ended just after 9pm. People drifted away slowly, quietly, back into the night — leaving the candles burning a little longer.