Teacher Convicted of Murdering 13-Month-Old Baby Preston Davey, June 17

Jamie Varley, 37, was convicted on Tuesday of murdering and sexually abusing 13-month-old Preston Davey over a four-month period. His partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was found guilty of sexual assault, child cruelty, and allowing the child’s death. Both men will be sentenced on Thursday. A child safeguarding practice review by Oldham Council has resumed to examine whether opportunities to save Preston were missed.

How Preston Came Into Their Care

Preston was born in June 2022 and placed with foster parents at five days old by Oldham Council after his biological mother was unable to care for him. He remained with foster parents for nine months. In January 2023, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved for adoption by Adoption Now. Preston moved to their home in Blackpool on April 1, 2023, to begin his new life with them.

Abuse and Hospital Visits

Within weeks of moving to Blackpool, Varley sent troubling messages. On April 6, he texted his sister saying Preston was “dead meat today” after not sleeping properly. Preston was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on May 25 at 11:10 unresponsive and floppy, with nursing staff noting bruising to his head. Medical reports documented unexplained injuries. Preston died in July 2023 after just under four months in their care, suffering more than 40 separate injuries.

What the Evidence Showed

Prosecutors proved that Preston’s injuries were consistent with airway obstruction, contradicting Varley’s claim that the child had accidentally drowned in a bath. Evidence presented at Preston Crown Court showed Preston was routinely ill-treated, sexually abused, and physically assaulted. Photos taken by Varley served as key evidence in securing the convictions. Preston was taken to hospital three times and seen by professionals in the weeks before his death.

Safeguarding Review Underway

Oldham Council launched a child safeguarding practice review after Preston’s death but paused it during criminal proceedings. The review has now resumed with focus on whether opportunities were missed in Preston’s care. Preston’s biological father attended a vigil on what would have been his fourth birthday, describing the child’s four months with the men as “terror at the hands of a monster.”

Final Thoughts

Preston Davey’s death exposed gaps in child protection systems. The safeguarding review will examine whether hospital visits and professional assessments could have prevented the tragedy. Sentencing is scheduled for June 18.

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