Preston Davey's biological father has spoken out, describing his murdered son's ordeal as 'four months of terror at the hands of a monster.' Gary Nolan addressed mourners at a candlelit vigil in Preston's Flag Market on Wednesday evening, marking what would have been the toddler's fourth birthday.
Vigil for Preston Davey
Hundreds gathered in Lancashire to remember baby Preston, who was killed by his adoptive father, teacher Jamie Varley, 37, in July 2023. Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was also convicted of sexual assault, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child. Both are due to be sentenced on Thursday.
Speaking to BBC North West Tonight, Nolan expressed his pain and anger. '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 jailed at age 14 for the murder of a pensioner in 1998 and had spent periods in and out of prison. Preston was placed with foster parents at five days old and remained with them for the first 10 months of his life.
In April 2023, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved to adopt him, and Preston moved into their home in Blackpool. During the less than four months in their care, he was routinely ill-treated, sexually abused, and physically assaulted, suffering 40 traumatic injuries. The trial heard he was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital three times before his death on July 27, 2023.
Community Mourns
Mourners lit candles at the vigil and listened to a bagpiper playing in Preston's memory. Organiser Niamh Cardwell-Clarke said the vigil was intended to focus on Preston's life rather than the circumstances of 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.'
