By the time he was just 13 months old, Preston Davey's tiny body was covered with more than 40 injuries, and no one had raised the alarm. On at least nine occasions in his short life, medical or other safeguarding professionals were alerted to concerns about the tragic infant. All the while, he was continuing to be abused and eventually murdered by his adoptive father, Jamie Varley.
Doctors, nurses, social workers, teachers, and even friends and family all saw Preston, yet by the time he died, his body bore the marks of sustained abuse. A serious case review will now investigate whether opportunities to save him were missed.
The Early Days
Preston was born on June 16, 2022, at Wythenshawe Hospital. His mother, Sarah Davey, was a convicted killer residing in the mother and baby unit at Styal women's prison. At just five days old, Preston was taken into the care of Oldham Council, and his mother returned to custody.
Foster carers Sandra and Paul Cooper, with 27 years of experience, stepped in. Preston thrived in their care, described as 'a really lovely baby' with a cheeky smile. In late 2021, John McGowan-Fazakerley and his partner Jamie Varley, a teacher, approached Adoption Now to become adoptive parents. They seemed ideal candidates: educated, professional, and financially stable.
The Adoption Process
Oldham Council assigned social worker Vicky Readett to the couple, and background checks began. In January 2023, they were approved as adopters. A pre-adoption medical by Dr. Mukherjee described Preston as 'a gorgeous, happy, alert and interactive child.' On February 13, a 'bump into' meeting took place at Ash Tree Farm, where Preston met his potential fathers. The interactions were noted as natural.
On March 9, the adoption was approved. Introductions began at the foster home and later at Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley's home in Blackpool. On April 3, 2023, Preston moved in with his new family.
Signs of Trouble
After the adoption, Preston's health deteriorated. He was taken to hospital three times: for a nosebleed, breathing difficulties, and a fractured elbow. On May 25, police were called due to unexplained bruising, but doctors were satisfied it was a medical episode. On June 30, bruising was explained by a video of a toy box falling on Preston, though it later emerged the video was two weeks old.
On July 6, a spiral fracture to Preston's elbow was accepted as accidental. Social worker Amy Shepherdson visited and noted Preston was pale but had no concerns. On July 7, independent reviewing social worker Helen Magee visited and wrote: 'I did watch your responses to your daddies quite carefully... I decided that there wasn't an issue.'
The Final Days
On July 27, Preston was brought to Blackpool Victoria Hospital unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. He died at 7:20 pm, aged 13 months. Varley claimed Preston had fallen from a bath seat. However, a postmortem found 40 non-accidental injuries, including signs of sexual abuse. The cause of death was acute upper airway obstruction.
Police investigations revealed videos on Varley's phone showing sexual interest in Preston and acts of psychological cruelty. Text messages showed resentment from Varley about being left alone to care for the baby. A video showed Preston struggling to breathe an hour and 45 minutes before help was sought.
Nine Key Moments
- April 29, 2023: Foster carer Paula Cooper met the adoptive parents and felt they were hiding Preston. She later raised concerns.
- May 15, 2023: A 999 call was made but abandoned. Breathing difficulties were reported but not mentioned during a health visitor check.
- May 25, 2023: Preston was taken to hospital with a nosebleed and seizure. Bruises were noted but the safeguarding referral was closed.
- June 30, 2023: Preston was taken to hospital with a rash. Bruises were explained by a video that later proved inconsistent.
- July 4, 2023: Social worker visited and noted Preston was pale but had no concerns.
- July 6, 2023: Preston suffered a spiral fracture to his elbow, accepted as accidental.
- July 6, 2023: Social worker visited again and was reassured by hospital staff.
- Early July: Varley told a colleague he had dark thoughts about harming Preston by smothering or drowning him.
- July 7, 2023: Independent social worker visited and decided there was no issue.
A Lancashire Police spokesperson said that on May 25, police were contacted but medical staff indicated no concerns about non-accidental injury, so no further action was taken. The serious case review will now examine whether any opportunities were missed to prevent Preston's death.
