Jamie Varley, 37, has been sentenced to a whole life order for the murder and sexual abuse of his 13-month-old adopted son, Preston Davey. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was jailed for 25 years. The couple attempted to "reinvent themselves" just days after the toddler's death, purchasing a £450,000 newbuild home in Grimsargh, Preston, on August 18, 2023, only 22 days after Preston died and three weeks after their arrest.
Neighbours Describe Apparent Normalcy
Neighbours told the Daily Mail that the couple appeared to live a normal life, decorating their home for Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. One neighbour said: "The house they lived in was well known due to the decorations they put out every Christmas, Easter and Halloween. We don't have kids but I remember thinking if we did, our children would have been involved in all of that. We would probably have gone inside. You would often see them out at the front of the house, especially during Christmas Easter and Halloween. They certainly did not behave as if they had something to hide." Another neighbour noted a cardboard Easter bunny with a hole in the top, allowing local children to pose for pictures.
Arrest and Trial
On June 13, 2023, police raided the home and charged both men. Varley faced charges of murder, serious sexual offences, and child cruelty, while McGowan-Fazakerley was charged with allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual offences. Following a seven-week trial at Preston Crown Court, Varley, who was head of Year 11 at South Shore Academy in Blackpool, was found guilty of murder, assault by penetration, sexual assault, causing grievous bodily harm, cruelty, and 14 counts of making or taking indecent images plus one count of sharing an indecent image. McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child, cruelty, and sexual assault.
Prosecutor's Conclusion
Peter Wright KC stated: "The facts of the case point unerringly to the conclusion that Preston had been sexually abused and killed."
Victim Impact Statement
Preston's biological mother, Sarah, read a victim statement in court. She described him as "perfect from the moment he was born" and said: "The second he was placed in my arms, I fell completely in love with him. He was my baby, my only son, and from that day on I never wanted to let him go. For the first seven months of his life, I was lucky enough to spend precious time with him. He had the most beautiful smile, one that could light up any room, and the bond we shared was something everyone could see. Those memories should have brought me comfort - but instead, they are now mixed with pain, because I know what you put him through in his final months." She added: "Preston was innocent. He was defenceless. He relied entirely on you - the adults responsible for him - to love him, care for him, and keep him safe. Instead, you caused him suffering. You took away his chance to grow up, to go to school, to make friends, to live a full life. You took everything from him."
Neighbours Express Frustration
Neighbours expressed frustration that the couple "were obviously trying to get away from something" and described their behaviour as "all a big PR stunt to show they were nice people."
