Preston Davey, a 13-month-old boy, died on July 27, 2023, after enduring "unremitting abuse" from his adoptive fathers, Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley. Varley, a textiles teacher, recorded a 35-second video of Preston in respiratory distress at 4:45 pm but waited nearly two hours before seeking medical help. He arrived at Blackpool Victoria Hospital at 6:30 pm, claiming the infant had slipped in the bath, despite Preston being dry and wearing a nappy. Despite efforts from medical staff, Preston was pronounced dead at 7:18 pm.
Post-Mortem Findings
A Home Office post-mortem ruled out drowning, concluding that Preston died from acute upper airway obstruction. The examination revealed approximately 40 external and internal injuries, including bruises to the forehead, throat, mouth, bladder, and bottom, as well as bleeding in the lungs and evidence of sexual abuse. The judge stated, "Preston was having a seizure. You videoed it. I'm sure it was caused by your further abuse."
History of Abuse
Preston was born prematurely on June 16, 2022, and placed into emergency care five days later. He lived with foster carers until January 6, 2023, when Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved as adopters. He first stayed with them on April 1, 2023. Within days, troubling messages emerged. On April 6, Varley texted his sister, "He's dead meat today." Preston was taken to hospital multiple times: in May for being floppy and unresponsive, on June 30 for a rash and fever, and on July 6 for a fractured elbow. On July 23, Varley photographed Preston with blue lips and his neck resting on a cot rail.
Sentencing
Varley was convicted of murder, sexual offences, child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, and indecent image offences. He received a whole life order. McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault, and was sentenced to 25 years, with two-thirds to be served.
Reactions
Children's Commissioner Rachel De Souza questioned whether Varley's profession as a teacher allowed him to evade scrutiny. Preston's biological mother, Sarah Davey, expressed her grief, saying, "Every single day, I live with the unimaginable pain of wondering what he went through."
