Police have released a heartbreaking video of Preston Davey giggling just months before he was murdered by his adoptive father. Jamies Varley, 37, was handed a whole life order for the horrific abuse of the 13-month-old following an eight-week trial at Preston Crown Court.
Verdict and Sentencing
Varley was found guilty of murder, sexual assault, and a catalogue of other heinous child sex offences. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was jailed for 25 years for allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault. The video footage was released of the happy and laughing Preston before his adoption, as police urged people to 'remember the victim'.
The tot's fourth birthday would have been on June 16, 2026. Following the sentencing hearing, Det Ch Insp Andy Fallows said: 'I don't want the victim in this case, baby Preston Davey, to be lost in the headlines.' He added: 'He was a happy and thriving boy who would have been celebrating his fourth birthday, if it wasn't for the actions of Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley.'
Background of the Case
Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved for adoption in January 2023, with Preston beginning to live at their home in Blackpool, Lancashire, in April 2023. A jury at Preston Crown Court heard the harrowing details of the four months that the youngster was in their care.
Preston was routinely ill-treated, had indecent images and videos taken of him, and was sexually abused and physically assaulted. An autopsy found he had suffered around 40 separate injuries.
Trial and Convictions
Throughout the trial, Varley denied murdering or sexually assaulting Preston, while McGowan-Fazakerley denied sexually assaulting the child and denied allowing his death. However, both were convicted by the jury.
Preston had been taken from his mother, Sarah Davey, now 42, by an emergency care order by Oldham Council. Ms Davey, when she was 14, had been jailed for the 'unspeakably wicked' murder of a frail pensioner in 1998 and had been in and out of prison since then.
Foster Care and Adoption
Preston Davey was placed into emergency foster care with Sandra and Paul Cooper on June 21, 2022, just five days after his birth. He remained in their care for nine months before being handed over to his adoptive parents. Former foster carer Sandra Cooper described him as a 'very happy' baby during the 10 months she looked after him after his birth in June 2022.
Where the Offenders Are Held
Jamie Varley spent the first night of his whole life term at 'Monster Mansion', HMP Wakefield, on Tuesday, with John McGowan-Fazakerley likely being held at either HMP Manchester (Strangeways) or HMP Full Sutton.
