A harrowing case of child abuse and neglect has been brought to light in Preston Crown Court, where two individuals have been sentenced for their roles in the tragic death of a 13-month-old adopted baby. Jamie Varley, 37, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, were found guilty of the most heinous crimes – the sexual abuse and murder of their young son, Preston Davey.
Preston, who was taken into care just five days after birth by an adoption agency, had been living with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley for only four months before his untimely death. During this time, he suffered 40 traumatic injuries at the hands of those responsible for his care, with disturbing evidence revealing that he was treated as a "plaything" subjected to routine ill-treatment, sexual abuse, and physical assault.
The events leading up to Preston's death were marked by a series of concerning incidents, including three hospital visits – one resulting in a broken arm – yet no red flags were raised among the professionals involved. A pathologist determined that the cause of death was acute upper airways obstruction, likely due to smothering or objects being inserted into his mouth.
A damning set of evidence presented during the eight-week trial included disturbing images and videos found on Varley's phone, highlighting the extent of the abuse inflicted upon Preston. The couple's attempts to deflect blame were met with overwhelming medical evidence, including the fact that Preston's hair was dry, he was wearing a nappy, and had not swallowed water when taken to hospital.
The tragic case has prompted an independent child safeguarding practice review, launched by Oldham Council in response to concerns raised by Preston's maternal grandmother, Debbie Davey. The review aims to scrutinise the handling of Preston's safeguarding and the involvement of all agencies responsible for his welfare prior to his death.