Jamie Varley Convicted of Murdering Adopted 13-Month-Old Preston Davey in Blackpool

Jamie Varley, 37, has been found guilty of sexually abusing and murdering Preston Davey, the 13-month-old baby boy he adopted with his partner. Preston died in July 2023.

Varley, from Blackpool, had claimed to police that Preston accidentally drowned in a bath. However, a post-mortem examination revealed the child sustained 40 distinct injuries.

His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, a financial sales manager, was convicted of allowing the death of a child.

Preston was adopted by Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley in April 2023. Over the subsequent four months, the trial heard evidence of sexual abuse and ill-treatment inflicted upon the child.