The devastated foster carers of tragic Preston Davey have said they wish they could have kept the 'small and vulnerable' tot before he was murdered.
Heartbreaking Statements in Court
Heartbreaking statements from Sandra and Paul Cooper were read at Preston Crown Court on June 18, 2026, ahead of the sentencing of Jamie Varley for his murder. Varley, 37, sexually abused 13-month-old Preston then killed him just months after adopting him. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, took part in a sick sex attack on the baby and was convicted of allowing his death.
Before Preston was adopted by the depraved pair, Mr and Mrs Cooper fostered him from the age of five days old.
Sandra Cooper's Statement
Mrs Cooper bravely read out a statement in court, describing how the tot was 'joyful' and 'so content and happy' while in their care. She detailed how she now dreams about Preston and cannot bear to think of the pain he went through. Mrs Cooper said she and her husband had planned to make Preston the last child they fostered but 'could not retire' after his death.
"We felt we had a duty to other children and could not sit back and enjoy ourselves knowing that other children were being abused, mistreated and could die," she told the court.
Paul Cooper's Statement
A heartbreaking statement from Mr Cooper was also read to the court in which he said the pair 'brought him up as their own'. He said he wishes they 'could have kept him' before he was adopted.
"Preston had his whole life ahead of him, one that should have been a happy life with a new family. I will never ever forget him. I cannot express enough the pain that I am going through to even speak about this and the way his life was cut so short," Mr Cooper said.
The Case
Preston was born to convicted killer Sarah Davey on June 16, 2022. Five days after he was born, the 5lb 7oz tot was taken into the care of Oldham Council. Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved for adoption in January 2023. At the age of nine months, in April 2023, Preston began living at their home in Blackpool, Lancashire.
In the months that followed, Preston was subjected to ever increasing physical, sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of teacher Varley. McGowan-Fazakerley turned a blind eye to the escalating abuse and on July 23 took part in a joint attack on Preston, as he slumped helplessly over the bars of his cot. On July 27, Preston was carried into Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac arrest. He was pronounced dead at 7.18pm.
Earlier this week, Varley was found guilty of murder; GBH; sexual assault; cruelty; and making, taking and distributing indecent images of Preston. McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of causing or allowing Preston's death; cruelty; and sexual assault.
