Jamie Varley Convicted Of Murdering And Sexually Assaulting Adopted 13-Month-Old Preston Davey

A jury found teacher Jamie Varley, 37, guilty of murdering and sexually abusing 13-month-old Preston Davey, whom he adopted with his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, after a trial at Preston Crown Court.

“- Published A teacher has been found guilty of sexually abusing and murdering the 13-month-old baby boy he adopted with his partner”

BBC

The BBC said Varley told police Preston had accidentally drowned in a bath, but a post-mortem examination found the child had suffered 40 injuries and ruled out drowning as the cause of death.

BBC

The People report said a postmortem examination found Preston died of acute upper airways obstruction and that the exam also found Preston had suffered 40 traumatic injuries over four months in the care of Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley.

People reported that on Monday, June 15, after a seven-week trial, Varley was found guilty of murder and two counts of sexual assault of a minor under 13, while McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of causing and allowing the death of a child.

RTE.ie said the jury spent around 14 hours considering verdicts before returning to court to deliver verdicts, and it reported that Mr Justice Turner said he will pass sentence on Thursday.

Prosecutor Peter Wright KC told the trial at Preston crown court that Preston had been “routinely ill-treated, sexually abused and physically assaulted,” and the Guardian reported that Wright suggested Varley used Preston as a “plaything” for “amusement and gratification.”

The Guardian also described Varley as an “arrogant, self-centred liar,” and it reported that jurors heard and viewed horrific evidence of the two men’s crimes.

Metro.co.uk

In court, Det Ch Insp Andy Fallows, from Lancashire Police, said the two men were “pure evil,” adding that “Almost from day one, they set about abusing Preston and making his short life a harrowing tale of misery and pain.”

The Independent quoted Fallows describing the investigation into Preston’s death as “harrowing,” and it reported that Karen Tonge of the Crown Prosecution Service said the case was “one of the most shocking and horrific cases I have dealt with in my career.”

Oldham Council said the death of any child is a tragedy but called the case “particularly heart-wrenching and disturbing,” and BBC reported that an independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review was already under way to examine the handling of Preston’s safeguarding.

“Arabic version:مدرس يُدان بقتل ابنه الرضيع المتبنى A teacher has been found guilty of sexually abusing and murdering his 13-month-old adopted son, Preston Davey, following a trial at Preston Crown Court”

Oz Arab Media

The BBC also reported that Adoption Now said it followed “a strict and rigorous process... in the assessment and approval of adopters,” and it said an independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review was being completed.

People reported that Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley will be sentenced on Thursday, June 18, after the jury returned guilty verdicts on multiple counts including murder and sexual assault of a minor under 13 for Varley.

RTE.ie said Varley was found guilty of murder, assault by penetration, cruelty to a child, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault of a child, and multiple counts of taking indecent photos or videos, while McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault of a child.

The Guardian reported that the case “raise wider questions about local authority adoption processes across the UK,” as it described Preston’s placement with foster carers and his move into Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley’s home on 3 April 2023.