A former secondary school teacher and his partner have been found guilty over the sexual abuse and murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey, bringing to a closeone of the most harrowing child abuse casesheard in a British court in recent years.
Jamie Varley, 37, was convicted of murder, sexual offences and child cruelty, while his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was found guilty of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual assault. The verdicts have also renewed attention on Preston's tragic beginnings, including the notorious criminal history of his biological mother.
Preston Davey was born on 16 June 2022 at Wythenshawe Hospital in Greater Manchester. Just five days later, he was removed from the care of his biological mother by social services and placed with foster carers under an emergency care order.
In January 2023, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved as prospective adopters. Nine-month-old Preston was formally placed in their Blackpool home on 1 April 2023, with hopes that he would finally enjoy the stability and affection he needed.
Instead, the months that followed were marked by repeated hospital visits, unexplained injuries and growing concerns. On 27 July 2023, Preston was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital unconscious and in cardiac arrest. Despite the efforts of doctors and paramedics, he was pronounced dead at 7:18 p.m.
After an eight-week trial at Preston Crown Court, jurors returned guilty verdicts on 15 June 2026 following more than 13 hours of deliberations.
The court heard devastating evidence that Preston suffered more than 40 separate injuries while living with the defendants.
Medical experts identified bruising to his mouth, throat, bladder and bowel, as well as a healing fracture to his left arm that was deemed non-accidental. Further examination revealed injuries consistent with sexual abuse both shortly before his death and in the weeks leading up to it.
Varley initially claimed the child had drowned after being left briefly unattended in a bath. However, specialists ruled out drowning and found no evidence to support that explanation.
A post-mortem examination concluded that Preston died from acute upper airway obstruction. Experts determined that his airway had been blocked, either through smothering or the insertion of an object into his mouth. Prosecutors argued that the evidence showed a sustained pattern of abuse which ultimately led to the toddler's death.
Source: International Business Times UK
