UK couple convicted of murdering adopted infant after sexual abuse

A British court found two men, 37‑year‑old teacher Jamie Varley and 32‑year‑old sales director John McGowan‑Fazakerley, guilty of murdering their 13‑month‑old adopted son Preston Davey. The child, placed with the couple in April 2023, died in July 2023 after suffering around 40 injuries. A post‑mortem determined the cause of death was acute obstruction of the upper airways, rejecting the earlier claim that the infant had drowned in a bathtub.

Varley was convicted of murder, sexual abuse of a child under 13, causing serious bodily injury and producing indecent images. McGowan‑Fazakerley was found guilty of sexual abuse, neglect and causing or permitting the child's death. The sentencing for both men is to be announced. The case prompted an independent review of how social services monitored the child's welfare, and the court described the abuse as “utter evil.”