The depraved monster who murdered and abused baby Preston Davey has been told he will never be released from prison after being handed a whole life order. His partner, who took part in a sick sex attack on the infant four days before his death, has been jailed for 18 years.
Details of the Case
Preston was just 13 months old when he died following a final sex attack by former teacher Jamie Varley. The paedophile treated Preston as his 'personal plaything', subjecting him to ever increasing physical, psychological and sexual abuse in the four months the baby lived at the house on Staining Road, Blackpool.
John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, turned a blind eye to Varley's abuse of Preston and on July 24, 2023, joined in a sickening sexual attack while the little boy slumped over the bars of his cot.
Background
Preston was born in Wythenshawe Hospital on June 16, 2022, to convicted killer Sarah Davey. He was taken into foster care at five days old and was happy and thriving when he was handed over to the defendants at nine months old. Once in the hands of the adoptive dads, Preston's wellbeing declined and he was taken to hospital on three separate occasions. He suffered a nose bleed, breathing difficulties and a broken elbow and was seen by doctors, nurses and social workers.
Medics questioned unexplained bruising to Preston's head but accepted Varley's lies that they had been caused by a toybox falling on the tot. He claimed Preston was a clumsy baby who bruised easily and was uncoordinated due to a squint in his eye.
Final Attack
On July 27, 2023, Preston was carried into Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac arrest after a final attack by Varley. Manipulative Varley claimed he had slipped under the water when he left him alone in the bath for a matter of minutes. But Preston's curly hair was dry and there was no water in his lungs. A postmortem exam later revealed 40 separate non-accidental injuries on his tiny body. He had been sexually abused in the hours before he died, the pathologist said.
Photos and videos captured on Varley's phone showed his sinister sexual interest began within weeks of Preston arriving in April 2023. Text messages between the couple showed Varley's resentment towards his role as a new parent. McGowan-Fazakerley continued to leave Preston alone with his deviant partner, knowing the danger he was in.
Sentencing
Sentencing Varley, Mr Justice Turner said: '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.' The judge added: 'No purpose will be served by making an assessment of dangerousness as you will be in prison for the rest of your life.'
