A vigil is set to take place tonight in honour of tragic Preston Davey on what would have been his fourth birthday. Preston was just 13 months old when he was sexually assaulted and killed by Jamie Varley, a Blackpool teacher who had been entrusted with adopting him. After a seven-week trial at Preston Crown Court, Varley, 37, was found guilty of murder.
His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was found guilty of allowing the little boy's death. The couple were in the process of adopting the youngster when he collapsed at their home in Staining Road, Blackpool, while in the sole care of Varley.
Community Gathering
Tonight (June 16), at 8pm, a gathering will take place on Preston Flag Market to honour the memory of the little boy. Members of the public are invited to bring candles, bubbles and teddies to remember Preston, reports Lancs Live. Members of the Justice For Preston Davey Facebook group have also encouraged those unable to attend in person to light a candle at home at 8pm in his memory.
Trial Details
During the trial, jurors were subjected to harrowing details of the cruel treatment Preston suffered at the hands of the pair while in their care. He was previously described by foster carers as a 'beautiful, sociable baby' who was thriving in their care before he went to live with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley at nine months old.
Yesterday, Varley was convicted of murder, GBH, cruelty, sexual assault and taking indecent images, while McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of allowing Preston's death, cruelty and sexual assault. The pair are due to be sentenced on Thursday June 18 at 10am.
Background
The court was told how on April 3, 2023, Preston was placed in the care of the defendants, who had been approved to adopt after a training program with Adoption Now - the agency which manages adoptions for councils in Greater Manchester and Lancashire. It was a chance of a new life for baby Preston. It was later revealed that the tot was the son of notorious convicted murderer Sarah Davey, who brutally tortured and killed a pensioner in 1998. Ms Davey was 14 when she was jailed for the “unspeakably wicked” murder. The identity of Preston's mother was never revealed to the jury.
