Adoptive Father Receives Whole Life Sentence
Jamie Varley, a 37-year-old teacher from Blackpool, has been handed a whole life prison order for the murder and sexual abuse of his adopted 13-month-old son, Preston Davey. The sentence ensures Varley will remain incarcerated for the remainder of his life, with no eligibility for parole, except under exceptional compassionate circumstances.
Preston Davey tragically died in July 2023, just four months after being adopted by Varley and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley. During this brief period, the child was subjected to severe physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
Co-Defendant Also Sentenced
Varley's partner, 32-year-old John McGowan-Fazakerley, was found guilty of sexual assault, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child. He received a sentence of 25 years.
During the sentencing, Mr. Justice Turner highlighted the "unremitting abuse" and neglect Preston endured before his death, which occurred during a sexual assault. Addressing Varley, the judge stated, "It was you who did this. You murdered him... This is a case of the most extreme gravity. You must stay in prison for the rest of your life."
Details of the Abuse and Investigation
Varley initially claimed Preston had accidentally drowned in a bath. However, a post-mortem examination revealed the child had sustained 40 injuries, ruling out drowning as the cause of death. Some injuries were consistent with "forcible penetration" and sexual abuse.
Evidence presented during the eight-week trial at Preston Crown Court included a video recorded by Varley approximately 90 minutes before Preston was rushed to the hospital. The footage showed the child in extreme distress, struggling to breathe. Despite being taken to the hospital by Varley, medics were unable to revive Preston, and he was pronounced dead.
Preston had been taken into care by Oldham Council five days after his birth in June 2022 and spent the first nine months of his life with foster parents. Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved for adoption in January 2023, and Preston moved into their home in April.
During the four months in their care, Preston was hospitalized three times for various injuries, including a nose bleed, seizures, a rash, bruising, and a fractured elbow, indicating a pattern of non-accidental harm.
Impact on Biological and Foster Families
Preston's biological mother, Sarah Davey, expressed her "unimaginable pain of wondering" what her son endured. "The reality of how he suffered is something I will carry for the rest of my life. I will never forgive you for what you did to my son," she stated in a victim impact statement.
Gary Nolan, Preston's biological father, spoke of the profound grief of never meeting his son, recounting how he blanked out upon hearing the news.
Preston's foster parents, Sandra and Paul Cooper, described him as "joyful, so content and happy, with sparkly smiling eyes." Paul Cooper expressed his distress, stating, "Saying goodbye to [Preston] and handing him over to Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley was extremely difficult... What happened after this I still cannot bear to think about."
Safeguarding Reviews Underway
Following the convictions, a child safeguarding practice review, which was paused during the criminal proceedings, will be relaunched by Oldham Council. Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, Josh MacAlister, has also instructed experts to examine the case, focusing on Oldham Council, the hospital trust, and the adoption agency involved, to ensure any known issues have been addressed.
Oldham Council and the regional adoption agency, Adoption Now, both expressed their condolences and affirmed their commitment to cooperation with the independent review.
Source: Teacher who murdered adopted baby son Preston Davey given whole life prison sentence