Full Breakdown
Former Teacher Sentenced to Whole-Life for Murder of Adopted Baby Preston Davey
6/22/2026, 11:52:12 AM
The Murder and Whole-Life Sentence
In July 2023, 13-month-old Preston Davey died while under the care of adoptive father Jamie Varley, a former teacher, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley. Varley was convicted of murder, sexual assault, grievous bodily harm, cruelty and indecent-image offences, receiving a whole-life order. McGowan-Fazakerley was sentenced to 25 years, with two-thirds to be served.
Adoption Background and Prior Care
Preston, born June 2022, entered foster care with Oldham Council and lived with Sandra and Paul Cooper for nine months. Adoption Now approved the couple in March 2023; the child moved to Blackpool in April 2023.
Timeline of Abuse
Between May and July 2023, hospital visits recorded a seizure, a rash with head bruising, and a fractured arm; on 27 July the child arrived in cardiac arrest and Varley claimed drowning. Sentencing occurred at Preston Crown Court.
Extent of Abuse
A post-mortem found 40 injuries, including bruising to mouth, throat, anus, bowel and bladder. Lancashire Constabulary recorded ten counts of taking and two of possessing indecent images. Varley faced ten charges; McGowan-Fazakerley faced three cruelty counts and one sexual-assault count.
Official Responses
Mr Justice Turner described the case as “extreme gravity” and ordered Varley to remain in prison for life. Oldham Council expressed deep sorrow and began a child-safeguarding review. Adoption Now reiterated its legislation-compliant process. Blackpool Teaching Hospitals pledged improvements. A spokesman called the murder “a sickening case of evil abusers exploiting a vulnerable child” and promised accountability.
Criticism of Safeguarding
Hospital staff reported no concerns of non-accidental injury on the first visit, and police were not called on visits despite bruising and a fractured arm. Reviewers cite the couple’s misleading explanations as evidence of systemic gaps between medical and child-protection services.
Victims’ Statements
Mother Sarah Davey called Preston “perfect from the moment he was born” and mourned a future “should have been a happy life with a new family.” Father Gary Nolan described “nightmares” and loss of a father-son bond. Foster parents Paul and Sandra Cooper recalled his “joyful, smiling eyes” and expressed grief.
Conflicting Accounts & Review
Varley insisted Preston accidentally drowned, a claim contradicted by medical evidence and the post-mortem. Police were absent during hospital visits, and the child-safeguarding review commissioned by Oldham Council continues to examine agency decisions and Adoption Now’s role.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You murdered him.” — Mr Justice Turner, Judge
- “For the first nine months of his life Preston was a happy and healthy child but by the end he was a broken shell. This was due to the sordid and wicked acts of Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley.” — DCI Andy Fellows, Lancashire Constabulary
- “rightly demand answers about what went wrong” — Government spokesman
What’s Next
The safeguarding review will publish its findings as soon as possible, and agencies have pledged to implement recommended reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
