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Two Convicted of Infant Murder; Mother Released, Safeguarding Review

6/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley were convicted of murdering 13-month-old Preston Davey in Blackpool on 15 June 2026.
A post-mortem revealed Preston died from acute airway obstruction and about 40 injuries, while his mother Sarah Davey—serving life for a 1998 murder at age 14—was released on licence and attended the trial.
Oldham Council restarted its child-safeguarding practice review after the criminal case paused it.

History

Historical Context

The 12 February 1993 abduction and murder of two-year-old James Bulger by 10-year-old Robert Thompson and Jon Venables shocked Britain; the boys were sentenced to indefinite detention on 24 November 1993. The case sparked nationwide debate and prompted reforms to child-protection policy, including tighter regulation of violent media. In 2026 Oldham Council launched a child-safeguarding review that revisits those reforms.

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Story summary

Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley were convicted of murdering 13-month-old Preston Davey in Blackpool on 15 June 2026.
A post-mortem revealed Preston died from acute airway obstruction and about 40 injuries, while his mother Sarah Davey—serving life for a 1998 murder at age 14—was released on licence and attended the trial.
Oldham Council restarted its child-safeguarding practice review after the criminal case paused it.

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