A poignant video showcasing a laughing and happy Preston Davey has been released by police, who are appealing for the public to remember the young victim at the centre of a horrific murder case. The footage depicts Preston as a thriving infant, a stark contrast to the tragic circumstances of his death at just 13 months old.
Preston Davey died in July 2023 at the hands of Jamie Varley, 37, who had adopted him. Varley was handed a whole life prison sentence on Thursday following his conviction for the murder, having subjected the baby boy to severe physical, sexual, and emotional abuse over the final four months of his short life. The court heard harrowing details of the suffering Preston endured.
Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was also found guilty of sexual assault, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child. He received a 25-year jail sentence for his role in the tragic events that unfolded. The sentences were delivered at Preston Crown Court, bringing a degree of closure to a deeply disturbing case.
Following the sentencing hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows made a direct plea to the public. He stated, "I don't want the victim in this case, baby Preston Davey, to be lost in the headlines." DCI Fallows acknowledged that media attention would naturally focus on Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley and their "truly abhorrent crimes," but emphasised the importance of remembering the child whose life was so cruelly taken.
DCI Fallows further highlighted Preston's potential, remarking, "He was a happy and thriving boy who would have been celebrating his fourth birthday [on Tuesday], if it wasn't for the actions of Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley." The release of the video serves as a powerful reminder of the innocent life lost and aims to humanise the victim beyond the statistics of the crime.