The relationship between the parents of 13-month-old Preston Davey has come under scrutiny after his adoptive father was found guilty of his murder and sexual abuse. Jamie Varley, 37, a design and technology teacher, adopted Preston with his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, a financial sales manager. The adoption took place on April 1, 2023, when Preston was just nine months old. Tragically, Preston died four months later at 13 months.
Varley's Struggles as a New Parent
Varley took a year's leave from his role as head of year at South Shore Academy to care for Preston. McGowan-Fazakerley continued working long hours. The court heard that Varley struggled with the demands of a baby who woke frequently at night. He allegedly confided in others about having "dark thoughts" regarding Preston, describing him as "just annoying."
McGowan-Fazakerley's Defense
Initially, McGowan-Fazakerley supported Varley but later distanced himself, claiming his trust was "misplaced." During cross-examination, prosecutor Peter Wright KC suggested McGowan-Fazakerley was aware of the abuse. He responded, "Preston's life is like an iceberg, and there's things under the water I did not know about." He maintained he had no reason to suspect Varley and believed Preston drowned, as Varley told him on the way to the hospital.
McGowan-Fazakerley said he tried to be "his own detective" after discovering Preston's injuries. He denied ever sexually assaulting the child, calling the accusation "ridiculous." He was found guilty of allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty, and one count of sexual assault of a child.
Background of the Couple
Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley adopted "sweet and bubbly" Preston at nine months. Varley expressed his desire to be a father, saying, "I wanted to be a teacher, a daddy, just never thought it was possible once I realised I was a gay man." He described McGowan-Fazakerley as everything he had ever asked for in a relationship.
The case has highlighted the tragic consequences of abuse within adoptive families. Preston's life, as McGowan-Fazakerley put it, had hidden depths of suffering that were not apparent to those around them.
