Teacher Convicted of Murdering Adopted Toddler After Months of Abuse

Warning: This story contains references to child abuse that some readers may find distressing.

A court has heard how 13-month-old Preston Davey died just four months after being adopted by Jamie Varley and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, in April 2023.

Prosecutors said Varley, a secondary school teacher who had taken a year’s sabbatical from work, subjected Preston to prolonged physical and sexual abuse. The court was told that investigators uncovered deeply disturbing evidence documenting the abuse.

When Preston became unresponsive, Varley took him to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, claiming he had been left in the bath. However, medical evidence and a Home Office post-mortem did not support that account.

The trial also heard that Preston had previously been taken to hospital on multiple occasions with unexplained injuries, raising concerns that were ultimately not enough to prevent the tragedy.

Following an eight-week trial, Jamie Varley was found guilty of murder, as well as multiple child abuse and sexual offence charges. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child and of child cruelty.

The judge noted the exceptionally distressing nature of the evidence presented during the trial. Sentencing is scheduled to take place following the convictions.

The case has prompted renewed discussion about child protection, safeguarding procedures, and the importance of identifying and responding to signs of abuse.

Preston’s life was tragically short, and many have expressed their hope that justice for him will also strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable children in the future.