A high school teacher has been found guilty of sexually assaulting and murdering a baby he and his partner were in the process of adopting. Following a seven-week trial at Preston Crown Court, a jury convicted Jamie Varley, 32, of murder, child cruelty, sexual offences, and possessing indecent images related to 13-month-old Preston Davey. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was found guilty of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault.
Details of the Case
Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley had been in the process of adopting Preston, also known as Elijah. Just four months after being placed with the men, Preston was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital unconscious and in cardiac arrest on July 27, 2023. Varley claimed the baby had accidentally drowned in a bath, but prosecutors argued that his injuries were consistent with airway obstruction.
Medics worked on Preston for almost an hour but pronounced him dead at 7.20pm. A post-mortem revealed 40 separate internal and external injuries, which the prosecution said were non-accidental and indicated sexual abuse in the hours before his death. The medical cause of death was acute upper airway obstruction, meaning he had been smothered or something had been inserted into his mouth.
Courtroom Reactions
As the guilty verdicts were read, Varley collapsed to his knees, retching and vomiting. McGowan-Fazakerley showed no reaction, while his father shook his head. Preston's mother and grandmother burst into tears as the 29 guilty verdicts were returned. Sentencing was adjourned, with Mr Justice Turner set to pass sentence on Thursday.
Prosecution and Police Statements
Karen Tonge of the Crown Prosecution Service described the case as one of the most shocking and horrific in her career. She stated, "Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley had a responsibility to care for and protect baby Preston. They violated that responsibility and 13-month-old Preston was abused with sickening ease."
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows of Lancashire Police added, "This investigation has been to try to get justice for a little boy who has been grossly mistreated by the two people who should have loved and cared for him. It is the greatest misplacement of trust." He characterized Varley as a "serial manipulator and serial liar" who showed no evidence of regret or remorse.
