John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexual assault and allowing the death of his adopted baby Preston Davey. His partner, Jamie Varley, 37, was handed a whole life order for the 13-month-old's death. The pair were sentenced on Thursday, June 18.
Background of the Case
Preston was born to convicted killer Sarah Davey. Five days after his birth, the 5lb 7oz baby was taken into the care of Oldham council. At nine months old, he was handed over to Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley, who had been approved to adopt a child.
Abuse and Neglect
The baby was subjected to increasing physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at the hands of teacher Varley in the months that followed. McGowan-Fazakerley turned a blind eye to the escalating abuse. On July 23, he took part in a joint attack on Preston as the infant slumped helplessly over the bars of his cot.
On July 27, Preston was carried into Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac arrest and pronounced dead at 7.18pm.
Court Sentencing
High Court judge Mr Justice Turner handed Varley a whole life order. 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."
The judge then sentenced John McGowan-Fazakerley for allowing the death of a child. He said: "Your culpability involved serious neglect of Preston. You failed to take any steps to protect him. You have no previous convictions and are of good character. I will take this as the lead offence alongside the cruelty charges." The judge handed him a total sentence of 25 years for sexual assault and allowing the death of his adopted baby.
Varley, wearing a purple V-neck T-shirt, looked gaunt, sat with hands folded on his lap, looking straight ahead, and made no reaction.
