Teacher jailed for murder and sexual abuse of adopted child
A teacher has been convicted of sexually abusing and murdering a 13-month-old boy he had adopted with his partner, following a harrowing case that has shocked the United Kingdom.
A court found that Jamie Varley, 37, was responsible for the death of Preston Davey in July 2023. Varley had initially claimed the toddler accidentally drowned in a bath, but a post-mortem examination revealed the child had sustained around 40 injuries and died from an obstruction in his airway caused by objects forced into his mouth.
Varley’s partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was also convicted on charges including sexual assault, child cruelty and allowing the death of a child. Both men are expected to be sentenced on Thursday.
Evidence presented at Preston Crown Court showed that Preston, who was adopted by the pair in April 2023, endured months of abuse, neglect and sexual assault during the short period he lived with them. The child, born in June 2022, had previously spent the first 10 months of his life with foster parents after being taken into care shortly after birth.
Prosecutors said Preston suffered repeated physical assaults and sexual abuse, resulting in dozens of traumatic injuries. Investigators also uncovered indecent images and videos involving the child.
The trial heard that Preston had been taken to hospital on several occasions before his death with suspicious bruises, although explanations were provided at the time. He had also been seen by social workers.
On the day of his death, Varley took the unresponsive child to hospital and claimed he had found him submerged in a bath after leaving him unattended briefly. However, medical evidence contradicted that account, with experts ruling out drowning as the cause of death.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows described the defendants as “pure evil,” stating that they subjected the toddler to relentless abuse from the moment he entered their care.
Following an eight-week trial, the jury returned multiple guilty verdicts. Varley was convicted of murder, sexual offences against a child, child cruelty, grievous bodily harm and offences related to indecent images. McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual assault.
Authorities have launched an independent child safeguarding review to examine how Preston’s welfare was monitored before his death.
Officials from local authorities and adoption agencies described the case as deeply disturbing and tragic, extending condolences to Preston’s family and all those affected by the case.
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