The jury has delivered its verdicts in the trial of Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazackerley, 32, finding both men guilty of murdering their adopted son, Preston Davey. After two days of deliberations, the panel reached its conclusions on the charges against the pair.
Details of the Case
During the seven-week trial, prosecution lawyer Peter Wright KC argued that throughout his four months with the defendants, Preston was subjected to physical, sexual, and psychological abuse at the hands of Varley, a teacher with safeguarding training. McGowan-Fazackerley is alleged to have known about the abuse and failed to protect Preston from the danger posed by his partner.
Both men were also accused of carrying out a sexual assault on Preston four days before his death. Varley faced additional charges of taking indecent images of Preston, grievous bodily harm, and child cruelty.
Medical Evidence
Preston, known as Elijah by the defendants, was unresponsive when he was brought to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on July 27, 2023. Medics attempted to revive him for nearly an hour but pronounced him dead at 7:20 pm. A post-mortem revealed 40 separate internal and external injuries, which the prosecution said were non-accidental and indicated sexual abuse in the hours before his death.
Courtroom Presence
Preston's birth mother, grandmother, and former foster carer attended key parts of the trial and were in the public gallery as the jury returned to deliver the final verdicts. Family members of both defendants were also present in court.
