Mourners gathered in Lancashire on Tuesday evening for a vigil in memory of Preston Davey, the toddler who was murdered by his prospective adoptive father. The event took place on what would have been his fourth birthday.
Candlelit Memorial at Flag Market
The vigil was held at Preston's Flag Market, where attendees lit candles and left toys and pictures in tribute. Organiser Niamh Cardwell-Clarke urged people to remember Preston as a "beautiful boy" rather than focusing on the "horrific start in life he had". She said she felt "someone had to do something" after the tragic death.
Details of the Case
Preston was 13 months old when he died in July 2023. He had been living with Jamie Varley, 37, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, since April 2023 after being placed with them for adoption. On Monday, a jury found Varley guilty of murder, multiple counts of assault, cruelty, and sexual offences, as well as making and distributing indecent images of a child. McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault. Both are due to be sentenced on Thursday.
Preston's Short Life
Preston was born in June 2022 and was taken into care by Oldham Council from five days old. He lived with foster parents until April 2023, when he moved in with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley in Blackpool. During the four months he was in their care, he suffered 40 traumatic injuries, including sexual abuse and physical assault. He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital three times in the months before his death.
On July 27, 2023, Varley rushed Preston to hospital, claiming he had left the child in the bath for a few minutes and found him submerged. Medics attempted to revive him for 50 minutes but were unsuccessful. A Home Office post-mortem ruled out drowning and found approximately 40 non-accidental injuries.
Vigil Tributes
During the vigil, a minute of silence was observed, and a piper played in Preston's memory. Cardwell-Clarke emphasised that the event was about Preston, not the perpetrators. Pictures, candles, and toys were laid on the ground as a mark of respect.
