Former teacher Jamie Varley, 37, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, were jailed for sexually assaulting and physically abusing Preston Davey after adopting him. The twisted couple presented their life as 'Instagram ready' and even gave the infant a new name in a mural.
The 'Chosen Shower' and the Mural
Preston Davey's murderer and abuser held a 'chosen shower' when he first adopted the baby. The couple celebrated with cake, decorations, and a balloon arch, with Varley painting a living room wall mural of 'Preston Elijah', the name they chose for him.
Background of the Couple
Varley, a self-confessed 'Drama Queen', grew up in Blackpool and worked as a teacher. McGowan-Fazakerley, described as 'Steady Eddie', grew up in Congleton and worked in financial sales. They met in Manchester's gay village in 2018.
Varley was the dominant partner, often shouting at McGowan-Fazakerley. They bought a £220,000 house and presented a perfect life on social media.
The Abuse and Murder
Preston, nine months old when adopted, needed 'love, affection, safety and stability'. Instead, he was sexually abused and tormented after moving in with the couple in April 2022. Varley took a year off work to adopt, while McGowan-Fazakerley continued working.
Preston suffered indignities including indecent photos taken by Varley, who also had extreme pornographic images involving animals on his phone. Despite professionals around the family, the abuse continued.
Sentencing
Varley was handed a life order, while McGowan-Fazakerley was jailed for 25 years for allowing Preston's death on April 27, 2023. Mr Justice Turner said Preston faced 'unremitting abuse' and neglect before being killed by Varley during a sex attack.
Turning to Varley, he said: 'It was you who did this. You murdered him. A whole life order is a sentence of last resort for cases of the most extreme gravity.'
