A former teacher who murdered 13-month-old Preston Davey, alongside his partner who participated in the horrific mistreatment, has been sentenced to a whole life order. Jamie Varley, 37, was convicted of murdering the toddler during a sexual assault on July 27, 2023. The judge stated, "Balancing the aggravating and mitigating features, I'm satisfied a starting point of a whole life order is necessary. This is a case of the utmost gravity. You will stay in prison for the whole of your life. You will never be released."
Partner Sentenced to 18 Years
Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was sentenced to 18 years for allowing the death of a child, as well as for a joint sexual assault on Preston four days earlier. Preston was born to convicted killer Sarah Davey and was taken into care by Oldham Council five days after birth. At nine months old, he was placed with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley, who had been approved to adopt.
In the following months, Preston suffered escalating physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at the hands of Varley. McGowan-Fazakerley turned a blind eye and participated in a joint attack on July 23, as Preston slumped helplessly over his cot bars. On July 27, Preston was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac arrest and pronounced dead at 7.18pm.
Convictions
Varley was found guilty of murder, grievous bodily harm, 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.
Birth Mother's Victim Impact Statement
Preston's birth mother, Sarah Davey, wept in court as her statement was read: "Preston Paul Arlo Davey was perfect from the moment he was born. 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." She described the pain of knowing what he suffered and said, "You have not only taken Preston's life - you have devastated mine and his sister's."
Judge's Remarks
Mr Justice Turner said the impact on birth parents and foster carers had been "devastating." He noted that Preston was 13 months old when murdered, and the couple had been responsible for his care as adoptive parents for four months. The trial lasted over six weeks, with the jury unanimously convicting on 28 counts related to the abuse.
