Video footage has been shared of Preston Davey in happier times with his foster parents. The baby can be seen giggling as he sat in a highchair, but Preston's life was cruelly cut short by his killer Jamie Varley.
Innocent and wide-eyed, Preston was giggling away to his foster parents, Sandra and Paul Cooper. Wearing a bear-covered baby grow, Preston's huge toothless smile beamed at the camera. He wasn't to know the cruel and depraved hands he would soon find himself in, reports Manchester Evening News.
This video is a heartbreaking reminder of what life should have been like for Preston. Happy, smiley and giggling before he was the victim of the worst possible crimes.
Before Preston was adopted, he was fostered by Sandra and Paul from being just five days old. Mrs Cooper told the court in a heartbreaking statement how Preston was 'joyful' and 'so content and happy' while in their care. Mr Cooper said the pair 'brought him up as their own', and said he wished they 'could have kept him' before he was adopted.
Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, adopted Preston in 2022 when he was nine months old. His adoption reports stated the little boy needed: 'Love, affection, safety and stability.'
Instead, he was sexually abused, tormented and treated as a 'plaything' after he began living at their home in April 2022. At the age of 13 months, Preston was murdered by his adopted dad, Varley. The high school teacher subjected him to physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
He was sentenced at Preston Crown Court today. Varley was handed a whole life order for murder. McGowan-Fazakerley was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexual assault and allowing the death of his adopted baby.
Preston was born to convicted killer Sarah Davey. Five days after he was born, the 5lb 7oz baby was taken into the care of Oldham council. On July 27, 2023, Preston was carried into Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac arrest and pronounced dead at 7.18pm.
