A secondary school teacher has been convicted of the murder and sexual abuse of a 13-month-old baby he used as a "plaything." Jamie Varley, 37, adopted Preston Davey at nine months old with his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32. The baby had been removed from his mother by an emergency care order.
Abuse and Injuries
In the under four months of care, Preston suffered 40 traumatic injuries, including sexual abuse, indecent images, and physical assault. Varley was found guilty of murder, assault by penetration, child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault, and multiple counts of taking and distributing indecent images.
Co-Defendant Convicted
McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty, and one count of sexual assault. Both defendants will be sentenced on Thursday.
Medical Evidence
Preston was rushed to hospital unresponsive on July 27, 2023. Doctors noted his hair was dry, he wore a nappy, and there was no sign of water ingestion. A post-mortem revealed 40 non-accidental injuries, including fingertip bruises, slap marks, a bite mark, and injuries consistent with forcible penetration. The cause of death was acute upper airways obstruction by an object inserted into his mouth.
Disturbing Evidence
Varley had admitted to harboring "dark thoughts" of suffocating or drowning Preston. Indecent images showed the baby in distress, including one four days before death where he appeared unconscious with blue lips. Another clip 90 minutes before the hospital dash showed Preston in severe distress.
Reactions
Varley covered his face in disbelief as verdicts were read, retching and being sick. The jury was exempted from future service. Preston's mother and grandmother wept. Oldham Council will restart a child safeguarding review.
