Jamie Varley Gets Whole Life Sentence for Preston Davey Murder, Partner Jailed for 25 Years
Jamie Varley, 37, will spend the rest of his life in prison for the murder of his adopted son, Preston Davey. The 13-month-old child died in July 2023 after enduring physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at Varley's hands over a four-month period.
Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was sentenced to 25 years after being found guilty of sexual assault, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child.
Court Hears of 'Unremitting Abuse'
Mr Justice Turner, in passing sentence, stated that Preston faced "unremitting abuse" and neglect before Varley killed him during a sexual assault. Addressing Varley directly, the judge declared, "It was you who did this. You murdered him."
A whole life order, reserved for cases of "most extreme gravity," means Varley will never be released from prison. Preston's biological mother and grandmother, Sarah and Debbie Davey, were present in court, visibly distressed throughout the hearing.
Sarah Davey's victim impact statement described the "unimaginable pain of wondering" about her son's final months. "The reality of how he suffered is something I will carry for the rest of my life. I will never forgive you for what you did to my son," she stated.
Preston's biological father, Gary Nolan, recounted collapsing upon hearing the news, waking in hospital two days later. Sandra Cooper, Preston's foster mother, remembered him as "joyful, so content and happy, with sparkly smiling eyes." Her husband, Paul, expressed profound difficulty in handing Preston over to Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley, believing it was for the child's best interest at the time.
Child Placed in Care After Birth
Born in June 2022, Preston was taken into care by Oldham Council at five days old, residing with foster parents for nine months. Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved for adoption in January 2023, and Preston moved into their Blackpool home in April.
During the four months in their care, Preston suffered 40 traumatic injuries, including bruising, seizures, respiratory failures, and a fractured left elbow, requiring three hospital visits. On 27 July, Varley rushed Preston to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, claiming the child had drowned in a bath. However, medical examination found Preston was dry, with no evidence of swallowed water, and 40 external and internal trauma injuries, some consistent with "forcible penetration" and sexual abuse. Drowning was ruled out as the cause of death.
A video recorded by Varley 90 minutes before taking Preston to hospital showed the child in extreme distress, barely breathing. An independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review, paused during criminal proceedings, will now recommence, as stated by Oldham Council and adoption agency Adoption Now. Josh MaCalister, Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, has instructed experts to examine the case, citing it as "a really shocking case, people will look at it and feel sick."
