The men had brought Preston to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on three occasions before his murder, where he was seen by a ‘battery of professionals’ including medical staff, social workers and welfare officers from various bodies.

No further action was taken.

Speaking at the hearing, Mr Wilson said an inquest was initially opened following Preston’s death, but this was later suspended while police investigated and trials were ultimately held.

He said he had to consider if the inquest should continue given the ‘relevant issues’ already heard during the criminal trial.

Yet while Mr Wilson confirmed a final decision has not been made, subject to submissions from lawyers for other public bodies, it was ‘highly likely’ an inquiry would take place – probably in autumn next year.

He said: ‘I feel there’s sufficient reason to resume. There are acts and omissions of public authorities that need to be scrutinised in a public hearing in which Preston’s family can participate.

‘It’s clearly going to be a wide-ranging inquiry.’

Mr Wilson added he was aware calls had been made for a public inquiry but his role meant it was not a matter for himself to consider, rather to proceed on the basis of whether or not to hold an inquest.

Preston Davey’s short, tragic life was bookmarked by murder, by his mother and then his adoptive parents

The court heard a review into Preston’s death by Oldham Safeguarding Children’s Partnership has resumed following its suspension while Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley’s trial took place.

The review is expected to be complete by next January and it was confirmed an inquest could bot go ahead until then.

The hearing went on to address which people and public bodies – including Preston’s biological mother and grandmother – should be legally represented at any inquest.

Preston’s mother Sarah and grandmother Debbie Davey were not present in court but were represented by lawyers.

Preston was born while Sarah was in custody and a place in a mother and baby unit in the prison was refused.

Instead, he was taken from her by a court order from Oldham Council and placed with temporary adoptive parents before being adopted by Varley and McGowan.

Sarah has been in and out of jail after being handed a mandatory life sentence for murder in July 1999.

She and 15-year-old Lisa Healey had befriended and murdered a frail pensioner before stuffing her body into a bin and throwing it in Rochdale Canal.

Adoption Now, the service responsible for Preston’s adoption, were represented at Monday’s hearing alongside Bolton Council, who were described as the ‘host’ council for the body.

It was heard that while Oldham Council managed Preston’s adoption, Bolton Council also a had a role.

Also present at the hearing were lawyers for Preston’s father Gary Nolan and legal representatives for the NHS trust running Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

It is yet to be decided whether South Shore Academy, the high school where Varley worked, should be involved in the inquest.

Also undecided is whether Lancashire Police should have lawyers representing the force at an inquest.

The trial heard their officers were called after Preston was first taken to hospital suffering injuries and safeguarding concerns were raised but no further action was taken.

Mr Wilson adjourned for a further hearing to be held in October, telling Preston’s father: ‘Please accept everyone’s condolences. I’m conscious we are approaching his anniversary.’