UK teacher Jamie Varley and partner jailed for murder of adopted baby Preston Davey
A Lancashire court convicted high‑school teacher Jamie Varley, 37, and his partner John McGowan‑Fazakerley, 32, of murdering their adopted 13‑month‑old son Preston Davey. The verdict was delivered at Preston Crown Court after an eight‑week trial.
The jury found Varley guilty of murder, multiple counts of child cruelty, grievous bodily harm and sexual abuse, while McGowan‑Fazakerley was found guilty of allowing a child’s death and related cruelty offences. Evidence showed the infant suffered about 40 injuries, including bruises, a fractured arm and internal trauma consistent with sexual assault and forced airway obstruction, contradicting Varley’s claim that the child drowned in a bathtub.
Preston, taken into foster care shortly after birth, was adopted by the couple in April 2023. He died on 27 July 2023 after being rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac arrest. The court concluded the cause of death was acute upper‑airway obstruction, likely from smothering or an object inserted into his mouth.
The convictions have reignited scrutiny of UK adoption procedures and child‑protection safeguards following earlier high‑profile abuse cases.