Story perspectives

Infant Murder Conviction as 1996 Manchester Bomb Probe Ends

6/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Barry Laycock returned on the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Manchester IRA bomb.
Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley were convicted of murder, sexual abuse and grievous bodily harm.
The jury heard 13-month-old Preston Davey died after severe sexual assault, with Varley’s phone photos as evidence.
Authorities closed the 1996 Manchester bombing investigation and recorded Richard Logan’s guilty plea to careless-driving injury and perverting justice at Minshull Street Magistrates’ Court.

History

Historical Context

On 20 March 1993 the Provisional IRA detonated two litter-bin bombs in Warrington, killing 3-year-old Johnathan Ball and 12-year-old Tim Parry and wounding 56 people. The attack followed an intensified English campaign—57 bombs in 1992—and helped push the British government toward heightened security and the cease-fire negotiations that began in 1994.

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Story summary

Barry Laycock returned on the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Manchester IRA bomb.
Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley were convicted of murder, sexual abuse and grievous bodily harm.
The jury heard 13-month-old Preston Davey died after severe sexual assault, with Varley’s phone photos as evidence.
Authorities closed the 1996 Manchester bombing investigation and recorded Richard Logan’s guilty plea to careless-driving injury and perverting justice at Minshull Street Magistrates’ Court.

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