Teacher Given Life Sentence for Murdering Adopted Baby Preston, June 19

Jamie Varley, 37, a secondary school teacher from Blackpool, received a whole life prison sentence on June 18 for sexually abusing and murdering 13-month-old Preston Davey. The child died in July 2023 after four months in Varley’s care. A post-mortem examination revealed Preston suffered 40 injuries. The case exposes gaps in adoption vetting and child protection oversight.

How the Child Died and What Was Discovered

Preston Davey was born on June 16, 2022, and placed in emergency foster care five days later. An adoption panel approved his placement with Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, on March 23, 2023. Preston spent his first night with them on March 31, 2023. On July 27, 2023, the couple took an unresponsive Preston to hospital. Doctors worked for 50 minutes to save him but failed. Varley told police Preston had drowned in the bath. A pathologist determined the cause of death was acute upper airways obstruction by smothering or objects inserted into the baby’s mouth. Preston’s hair was dry and he had a nappy in place, contradicting the drowning claim.

The Abuse and Evidence Against Varley

During the four months Preston lived with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley, he was subjected to physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Police recovered indecent images and videos on Varley’s phone taken on April 23 and April 25, 2023. Within weeks of Preston’s arrival, Varley sent messages to friends saying he found the baby annoying and was struggling to cope. The post-mortem examination discovered the child had suffered 40 injuries. Varley was convicted of murder, sexual abuse, serious assault and five counts of child cruelty.

Partner’s Sentence and Systemic Failures

McGowan-Fazakerley was sentenced to 25 years for causing or allowing a child’s death, two child cruelty offences and sexual assault. He will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence. Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza called the case a failure of the state and safeguarding system. She noted Preston visited A&E multiple times, police were called and a social worker visited, yet professionals were reassured by Varley’s teaching job and manner. De Souza stated the case mirrors previous failures involving Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, Star Hobson and Sara Sharif.

The Judge’s Ruling and Victim Impact

Mr Justice Turner imposed a whole life order, meaning Varley will never be released from prison except in exceptional compassionate circumstances. He will never be eligible for parole. The judge said Preston faced unremitting abuse and neglect before being killed during a sex attack. Preston’s biological mother, Sarah Davey, now 42, delivered a victim impact statement in court. She said she lived with unimaginable pain wondering what her son endured. She stated the reality of his suffering is something she will carry for the rest of her life.

Final Thoughts

A whole life sentence removes Varley from society permanently. The case exposes how adoption vetting missed warning signs and how professionals were swayed by a killer’s professional status and social media facade.

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