A secondary school teacher, Jamie Varley, 37, and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, have been convicted of the murder and sexual abuse of 13-month-old Preston Davey, whom they were in the process of adopting. The verdicts were delivered at Preston Crown Court after an eight-week trial. Varley was found guilty of murder, sexual assault, and taking indecent images of the child, while McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual abuse. The prosecution described the case as one of the 'most shocking and horrific' they had encountered.
Core Facts & Developments
- Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were convicted of abusing and killing Preston Davey, who died on 27 July 2023 after months of abuse.
- Preston was the son of Sarah Davey, who was convicted of murder at age 14.
Deeper Dive & Context
The Abuse and Lies
Varley initially claimed Preston drowned in the bath, but investigators uncovered a pattern of lies. Police described his behavior as manipulative, with inconsistent accounts and attempts to blame others. Prosecutors stated Preston was used as a 'plaything' to satisfy Varley’s desires.
Social Work Failures
Preston’s grandmother, Debbie Davey, called for social workers to be sacked, citing missed opportunities to intervene. Preston had been in care since he was five days old before being adopted by the couple in April 2023.
Legal and Investigative Details
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows described Varley’s behavior in hospital as 'almost like a pantomime,' noting his inconsistent demeanor during interviews and trial testimony. The case has raised questions about adoption vetting processes and child welfare oversight.