A former secondary school teacher and his partner have been sentenced to life in prison for the murder and sexual abuse of a 13-month-old boy. Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, were convicted following a trial at Preston Crown Court.
Details of the Abuse
Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley adopted Preston Davey at nine months old in April 2023. Over the next four months, Preston suffered 40 traumatic injuries, including physical assault, sexual abuse, and the taking of indecent images. Varley was sentenced to a whole life order for murder and multiple counts of sexual abuse. McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault.
Court Proceedings
High Court judge Mr Justice Turner described the impact on the family as devastating. He detailed how Varley recorded a video of sleep deprivation and sent it to McGowan-Fazakerley. On July 27, 2023, Preston had a seizure caused by abuse, and Varley did not seek medical help. He was pronounced dead later that evening.
Statements from Family
Preston's birth mother, Sarah Davey, read a statement saying she would never forgive the couple. Foster parents Sandra and Paul Cooper also spoke, expressing their grief. Paul Cooper said he often wakes up thinking of Preston and feels like he lost his own child.
Sentencing
Varley was found guilty of murder, assault by penetration, child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault, and taking indecent images. McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault. Both were jailed for their crimes.
