Jamie Varley, a 37-year-old secondary school teacher, is set to receive a mandatory life sentence today for the murder of his adopted 13-month-old son, Preston Davey. Varley, along with his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was found guilty of murder and sexual abuse after treating the baby as his 'plaything.'
Details of the Case
Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley adopted Preston at nine months old. During the four months in their care, Preston endured routine mistreatment, indecent images and videos, sexual abuse, and physical assault, resulting in 40 traumatic injuries. The baby had been removed from his mother, Sarah Davey, now 42, via an emergency care order from Oldham Council. Davey had a criminal history, including the murder of a pensioner in 1998.
Adoption and Trial
The couple received adoption approval in January 2023, and Preston moved into their Blackpool home in April 2023. Following an eight-week trial at Preston Crown Court, both men were found guilty on Monday. Varley, who took a year's leave from his role as a high school head of year, was convicted of murder, two counts of assault by penetration, five counts of child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault, and multiple counts of taking and distributing indecent images. McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty, and one count of sexual assault.
Medical and Social Services Involvement
During the trial, it emerged that Preston had been taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital three times in the months before his death on April 27, 2023, and had been seen by numerous social workers, health visitors, and medical staff. An investigation by social services is ongoing.
Mr Justice Turner is due to hand down sentencing on Thursday morning.
