Jamie Varley, a teacher from Blackpool, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley were convicted of the abuse and murder of their 13-month-old adopted son, Preston Davey. The case, which unfolded at Preston Crown Court, exposed a dark reality behind the facade of a seemingly ordinary couple.
The Background
Preston Davey was born to Sarah Davey, who was jailed as a child for murdering a 71-year-old woman. He was placed with foster carers at five days old and moved in with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley at nine months. Over four months, he suffered routine ill-treatment, sexual abuse, and physical assault, according to prosecutor Peter Wright KC.
The Death and Investigation
On 27 July 2023, Varley claimed Preston had an accident in the bath. The baby died soon after. A postmortem found 40 external and internal trauma injuries consistent with forcible penetration and sexual abuse. Varley was described by a police officer as an "arrogant, self-centred liar" who used Preston for his own gratification, leading to murder.
The Couple's Profile
Varley, 37, was a teacher at South Shore Academy in Blackpool, while McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was a northern sales manager. They lived in Staining, a village near Blackpool. Varley told the court he had dreamed of having children and wanted to be a teacher and a daddy. The couple began the adoption process in December 2021 and were approved in January 2023.
The Abuse
From the start, the couple struggled with Preston. Varley sent messages describing him as "annoying" and "needy." He took disturbing photographs and videos, including one showing Preston with his head and arms over the cot bar, lips blue, and liquid in his mouth. Another showed Preston being kept awake deliberately with loud music. Preston was taken to hospital three times before his death, including for a fractured elbow.
The Trial
Varley maintained his innocence, claiming Preston had a "brilliant life" with them. However, medical evidence showed his death was caused by acute upper airways obstruction, either by smothering or objects inserted into his mouth. McGowan-Fazakerley was found complicit in the crime. The pair were convicted after a second trial, the first having been aborted.
DCI Andy Fallows of Lancashire police said Varley "sought to deceive right from day one" and was a "manipulative character." He added that the couple presented as "the perfect family" but the reality was "entirely different."
