Full Breakdown
Adoptive Parents Sentenced to Life for Murder and Abuse of Infant Preston Davey
6/22/2026, 11:36:48 PM
The Conviction and Sentencing
In July 2024, Preston Crown Court imposed a whole-life order on Jamie Varley, 37, after a jury found him guilty of murdering his adopted son, Preston Davey, and of multiple sexual and cruelty offences. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, received a 25-year term for allowing the child’s death, child cruelty and sexual assault. The verdict concluded an eight-week trial that examined extensive forensic and testimonial evidence.
Adoption Background and Child’s History
Preston Davey was born on 16 June 2022 and entered foster care five days later. His mother, Sarah Davey, 42, has a criminal record dating to a 1998 murder conviction. After a period in foster placement, Preston was adopted in April 2023 at nine months old by Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley, who had been approved for adoption in January 2023.
Profiles of the Adoptive Parents
Varley worked as a design-and-technology technician before becoming a teacher, safeguarding lead and head of year at South Shore Academy. McGowan-Fazakerley was employed as a finance sales manager. The couple lived in a three-bedroom Blackpool home featuring marble floors, chandeliers and a miniature Pinscher named Maximus. Friends described Varley as a “super-friendly” teacher with a “dark” side, while McGowan-Fazakerley was portrayed as the more reserved partner.
Timeline of Abuse and Legal Proceedings
- April 2023: Adoption of Preston; Varley begins a year-long parental leave.
- April–July 2023: Period of escalating physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
- 23 July 2023: Joint assault on Preston; he is later found in cardiac arrest.
- 27 July 2023: Preston dies at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, 7:18 pm.
- Early 2024: Trial commences at Preston Crown Court.
- July 2024: Whole-life order for Varley; 25-year sentence for McGowan-Fazakerley.
Extent of Abuse and Forensic Findings
A Home Office post-mortem identified approximately 40 non-accidental injuries, including fingertip bruises, leg slap marks, a human bite on the right buttock, and injuries to the mouth, throat and bottom consistent with forcible penetration. The cause of death was ruled as acute upper-airway obstruction from objects inserted into the infant’s mouth, contradicting Varley’s initial claim of accidental drowning.
Official Responses from Law Enforcement
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows, senior investigating officer, noted that the family’s social-media presentation of a “perfect” household concealed “a picture…far more sinister and darker than that.” Lancashire Police highlighted the failure of Adoption Now and Oldham Council to detect warning signs despite neighbour reports of shouting in the home.
Criticism of Adoption Oversight
Neighbour testimonies and a friend’s account suggest that concerns about Varley’s behaviour were not communicated to the adoption agency. Adoption Now and Oldham Council have been criticised for not acting on these signals before the final adoption approval in January 2023.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm definitely going to hell” — Jamie Varley, defendant, during a post-mortem interview.
- “They've tried to present as the perfect family, living in the perfect home, having the perfect lives,” — Det Ch Insp Andy Fallows.
- “ The female friend told the Sun: "He was determined he wanted a baby and not a toddler or older child.” — Unnamed friend of Varley.
- “He was a happy and thriving boy who would have been celebrating his fourth birthday [on Tuesday], if it wasn't for the actions of Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley.” — BBC report.
- “We are going to be okay. This is going to be the hardest thing that we're ever going to do in our lives, but we've got each other.” — John McGowan-Fazakerley, as reported in court footage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Varley initially asserted that Preston had drowned in a bath, a claim later refuted by the post-mortem which found no evidence of drowning. Media reports also differ on whether Varley has been formally designated a flight risk; prison sources allege such a label, while official statements have not confirmed it.
What’s Next
Varley is currently held in Category B HMP Preston and may be transferred to a higher-security facility due to the alleged flight-risk designation. Ongoing reviews of adoption vetting procedures are expected in response to the case’s revelations.
