A judge has issued a whole life order to Jamie Varley, the man convicted of murdering 13-month-old Preston Davey. Varley, 37, was told he will never be released from prison after being found guilty of the infant's murder and multiple child sex crimes at Preston Crown Court on June 18.
Details of the Case
The court heard that Varley, a secondary school teacher, sexually exploited Preston and treated him as a 'plaything' after adopting him at nine months old. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, received a 25-year sentence for his role in the toddler's death, convicted of allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty, and one count of sexual assault.
High Court judge Mr Justice Turner delivered the sentence, noting that Preston endured 'unremitting abuse' before being killed by Varley during a sex attack. The judge stated: '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. You must stay in prison for the rest of your life. You will never be eligible for parole.'
Background and Adoption
Preston was born to convicted murderer Sarah Davey on 16 June 2022. Five days later, the 5lb 7oz baby was taken into care by Oldham Council. Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved for adoption in January 2023, and Preston began living with them in Blackpool, Lancashire, in April 2023 at nine months old.
Over the following months, Varley subjected Preston to escalating physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. McGowan-Fazakerley ignored the abuse and participated in a joint attack on Preston on 23 July, as he slumped over his cot. On 27 July, Preston was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac arrest and pronounced dead at 7.18pm.
Sentencing and Reactions
In sentencing McGowan-Fazakerley, the judge said: 'Your culpability involved serious neglect of Preston. You failed to take any steps to protect him.' Preston's mother, Sarah Davey, delivered a heart-wrenching statement, declaring she would 'never forgive' the men for her son's death.
Varley was found guilty of murder, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault, cruelty, and making, taking, and distributing indecent images of Preston. McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of causing or allowing Preston's death, cruelty, and sexual assault.
