Preston Davey's biological father has said his murdered son suffered months of "terror at the hands of a monster" as hundreds assembled for a candlelit vigil to commemorate what would have been the toddler's fourth birthday.
Vigil in Preston Flag Market
Gary Nolan paid tribute to Preston Davey in Preston's Flag Market on Wednesday evening, joining relatives, friends and supporters in remembering the little boy who died at the hands of his adoptive father in July 2023.
The 13-month-old was killed by teacher Jamie Varley, 37, from Blackpool, Lancashire. Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was also convicted of sexual assault, child cruelty and allowing the death of a child.
The pair are due to be sentenced on Thursday.
Father's Anguish
Speaking to BBC North West Tonight, Nolan described the anguish of marking his son's birthday without him and his fury towards the men responsible.
"My son went through four months of terror at the hands of a monster," he said. "My son should be alive today on his birthday and not dead."
Preston's Tragic Story
Preston was born in June 2022 and was taken into care by Oldham Council shortly after birth. His mother, Sarah Davey, now 42, had been imprisoned aged 14 for the murder of a frail pensioner in 1998 and had spent periods in and out of prison since.
Preston was placed with foster carers at five days old and remained with them for the first 10 months of his life. However, in April 2023, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved to adopt him and Preston moved into their home in Blackpool.
Throughout the less than four months he remained in their custody, Preston was consistently mistreated, sexually abused and physically attacked, sustaining 40 traumatic injuries. The court was told he was brought to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on three occasions in the months leading up to his death on July 27, 2023.
Remembering Preston
Those attending the vigil lit candles and heard a bagpiper perform in Preston's memory. Organiser Niamh Cardwell-Clarke explained the vigil was designed to celebrate Preston's life rather than the circumstances surrounding his death.
"The event is about remembering Preston and the beautiful little boy he was," she said. "Just come along, pay a tribute, bring a candle, bring a teddy, blow some bubbles and let's just remember him for the beautiful boy he was and not for the horrific start in life he had."
