Adoptive Parents Convicted After 13-Month-Old Preston Davey Dies Following Months of Abuse

A court has found that 13-month-old Preston Davey endured months of abuse before his tragic death, bringing a heartbreaking case to a close with guilty verdicts against both of his adoptive caregivers.

Jamie Varley, 37, a teacher, was convicted of Preston’s murder after claiming the toddler had drowned in a bath. However, a post-mortem examination revealed that Preston had suffered around 40 separate injuries, and medical experts ruled out drowning as the cause of death.

Varley’s partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was also found guilty of multiple serious offences, including sexual assault, child cruelty, and causing or allowing the death of a child.

The case has drawn widespread attention because of the severity of the abuse uncovered during the investigation and the devastating circumstances surrounding Preston’s death.

Both men are scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, when the court is expected to determine the penalties for the offences of which they have been convicted.