Teacher Sentenced to Life for Murdering Adopted Baby Preston Davey

Jamie Varley has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his adopted son, Preston Davey, who suffered extensive abuse before his death in July 2023.

Jamie Varley, a 37-year-old teacher, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his 13-month-old adopted son, Preston Davey. Preston died in July 2023 after enduring months of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at the hands of Varley, who lived in Blackpool.

During the final four months of his life, Preston suffered significant maltreatment, culminating in his tragic death. Varley initially claimed that Preston had drowned accidentally in a bath. However, a post-mortem examination revealed that the child had sustained 40 injuries, contradicting Varley's account.

Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, aged 32, was also found guilty of sexual assault, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child. He received a 25-year prison sentence for his role in the abuse.

The court imposed a whole life order on Varley, indicating that he will not be eligible for parole except under exceptional compassionate circumstances. Mr. Justice Turner, who presided over the case, emphasized the severity of the abuse Preston suffered, stating, 'You murdered him. A whole life order is a sentence of last resort for cases of the most extreme gravity.'

Family members of Preston were present in the courtroom, visibly affected by the proceedings. Sarah Davey, Preston's biological mother, shared her anguish in a victim impact statement, expressing the 'unimaginable pain' of wondering about her son's suffering during his final months. She remarked, 'I will never forgive you for what you did to my son and what you stopped him from becoming and achieving in his life.'

Gary Nolan, Preston's biological father, recounted the moment he learned of his son's death, describing a traumatic experience that left him hospitalized due to his emotional distress.

Sandra Cooper, Preston's foster mother, remembered him as 'joyful, so content and happy, with sparkly smiling eyes.' Her husband, Paul Cooper, reflected on the difficult decision to place Preston with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley, believing at the time that it was in his best interest to join what they thought was a loving family.

Preston was born in June 2022 and was placed into care just five days later following an emergency care order issued by Oldham Council. He spent the first nine months of his life with foster parents before being placed with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley in April 2023 after they were approved for adoption in January of that year.

In the months leading up to his death, Preston experienced numerous medical issues, including hospital visits for a nosebleed, seizures, a rash with bruising, and a fractured left elbow. Despite these alarming signs, social workers who visited Preston at home did not perceive any immediate danger.

On July 27, 2023, Preston was brought to Blackpool Victoria Hospital by Varley, who claimed he had left the child unattended in the bath. Medical staff, however, found inconsistencies in Varley's story, as Preston was dry and showed no signs of having drowned. Ultimately, medical efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead.

The post-mortem examination confirmed the presence of 40 traumatic injuries, some of which were consistent with sexual abuse. Notably, Varley recorded a video shortly before Preston was taken to the hospital, capturing the child in distress and struggling to breathe.

The trial faced challenges, including the emotional weight of the evidence, which led to one juror being unable to continue, resulting in the trial being restarted with a new jury.

In response to the case, a child safeguarding practice review, which had been paused during the criminal proceedings, will be resumed by Oldham Council. Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, Josh MacAlister, has called for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding Preston's case, emphasizing the need to establish the facts and ensure accountability.

Lancashire Police reported that their investigation did not uncover any prior indications that Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley had a sexual interest in children before the adoption. Following the verdict, a spokesperson for Oldham Council expressed their condolences, stating, 'The death of any child is a tragedy, but this is a particularly heart-wrenching and disturbing case.' They affirmed that an independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review is underway to evaluate the handling of Preston's safeguarding.

Adoption Now, the regional adoption agency involved, characterized the case as 'deeply upsetting' and reassured that they adhere to a strict and rigorous assessment process for potential adopters.