Full Breakdown
Teacher Sentenced to Whole Life for Murder of Baby
6/18/2026, 11:07:00 PM
The Crime and Sentencing
On 27 July 2023, 13-month-old Preston Davey died after being taken to hospital by his adoptive parents, teacher Jamie Varley and partner John McGowan-Fazakerley. A pathologist ruled death by acute upper-airway obstruction, likely smothering. Varley received a whole-life order; McGowan-Fazakerley was sentenced to 25 years for sexual abuse, child cruelty and allowing the child's death.
Background of Preston Davey
Preston was born four weeks premature to Sarah Davey, who was serving a sentence for murder at HMP Styal. After a brief stay with his mother, he entered foster care with Sandra and Paul Cooper for nine months. At nine months old, he was placed for adoption with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley.
Key Figures
Jamie Varley – head of year, Blackpool secondary school.
John McGowan-Fazakerley – sales manager, asset finance.
Sarah Davey – biological mother, convicted murderer.
DCI Andy Fallows – senior officer, Lancashire Police.
Karen Tonge – CPS.
Rachel De Souza – Children’s Commissioner for England.
Data and Statistics
The infant suffered 40 documented injuries and was taken to hospital three times, once with a broken arm. Medics attempted resuscitation for 50 minutes on the day of death. Varley’s phone held graphic images used as evidence.
Official Responses
Judge Mr Justice Turner said the sentence reflects the gravity of the offenses. The Crown Prosecution Service called the case “one of the most shocking and horrific” it has handled. Oldham Council’s child-safeguarding practice review, paused during the trial, has resumed. The Children’s Commissioner described the incident as a “massive safeguarding failure”.
Criticism and Safeguarding Failures
Professionals questioned whether Varley’s teaching role reduced scrutiny. Rachel De Souza and Sarah Davey highlighted systemic lapses, noting that social workers, doctors and nurses saw Preston repeatedly without raising alarms. The mother’s impact statement stressed his defenselessness and the adults’ role in his suffering.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Varley claimed the baby was briefly submerged in a bath, yet forensic evidence showed dry hair, a clean nappy and no water ingestion. Despite repeated injuries, his and McGowan-Fazakerley’s explanations were accepted at the time. The upcoming review will examine why professional curiosity was insufficient.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is not often in this job that you encounter pure evil,” — DCI Andy Fallows, Lancashire Police
- “Karen Tonge, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This has been one of the most shocking and horrific cases I have dealt with in my career.” — Karen Tonge, Crown Prosecution Service
- “Instead, you caused him suffering. You took away his chance to grow up, to go to school, to make friends, to live a full life. You took everything from him.” — Sarah Davey, biological mother
- “massive safeguarding failure” — Rachel De Souza, Children’s Commissioner
What Comes Next
Oldham Council’s independent safeguarding review has resumed, mapping inter-agency communication before Preston’s death. Findings will guide policy changes for adoption and foster placements, especially where caregivers hold public-trust positions.
