Full Breakdown
Conviction of Adoptive Teachers
6/16/2026, 1:44:09 AM
Conviction of Adoptive Teachers
On 15 June 2024, Preston Crown Court convicted Jamie Varley, 37, teacher at Blackpool’s South Shore Academy, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, of murder, grievous bodily harm and sexual abuse of Preston Davey, a 13-month-old who died on 27 July 2023 after being taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Birth Mother Background
Sarah Davey, 43, was convicted in 1999 for the 1998 murder of Lily Lilley, a grandmother in Failsworth, and served 14 years of a sentence before release in 2013. After recalls, she gave birth to Preston on 16 June 2022 at Wythenshawe Hospital; he stayed with her for five days before entering foster care.
Timeline
16 June 2022 – Preston born; 21 June 2022 – placed with foster carers; 2023 – adopted by Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley; 27 July 2023, 18:20 – pair took unconscious infant to Blackpool Victoria Hospital; he died at 19:20, acute upper airway obstruction, smothering; 15 June 2024 – jury delivered guilty verdicts; 23 March 2024 – Sarah Davey released from Askham Grange prison.
Impact
The case raises concerns about vetting, social service monitoring and parole supervision, and prompts scrutiny of the adoption agency’s criteria that allowed Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley to obtain custody of an infant.
Official Statements
Judge Mr Justice Turner called for dignity in the courtroom. Court records note that Sarah Davey sobbed loudly as the verdicts were read and was supported by her mother Debra Davey. No agency statements were provided.
Criticism
Debra Davey said “alarm bells should have been ringing” and that social services, adoption agency and staff “all have questions to answer about why Preston’s case wasn’t flagged.” She described Varley as “not right in the head” and asserted McGowan-Fazakerley “knew” about the abuse.
Conflicts
Sources agree the death was recorded as acute upper airway obstruction with prosecution alleging smothering; no medical opinions are cited. The adoption agency’s approval criteria remain undisclosed.
Quotes
- “She’s worried about it all coming out again, but I’ve told her, it’s all about Preston, it isn’t about her.” — Debra Davey, mother of Sarah Davey
- “I’m just relieved it’s all over.” — Debra Davey
- “Varley, he’s not right in the head, he just looks evil, the things he’s done. Things no-one would think of doing, he’s sick in the head.” — Debra Davey
- “And McGowan-Fazakerley, of course he knew. You don’t live in the same house as someone and not know what’s going on, especially things like that. I think there’s a lot to come out about him.” — Debra Davey
Next Steps
The convictions may trigger reviews of adoption screening by authorities. Oldham social services have announced a case review. No appeals have been reported.
