A jury at Preston Crown Court has found two men guilty in the death of 13‑month‑old Preston Davey, delivering verdicts that close a six‑week trial and will now lead to sentencing. The case — involving a mix of criminal charges ranging from child cruelty to a murder conviction — has prompted renewed scrutiny of how vulnerable children are placed and monitored in adoptive settings.
On Monday 15 June, after hearing evidence over several weeks, jurors returned guilty verdicts against both defendants: Jamie Varley, 37, was found guilty of murder, while his former partner John McGowan‑Fazackerley, 32, was convicted of allowing the death of a child. The panel that reached the decision comprised seven men and seven women.
Prosecutors say Preston was brought to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on 27 July 2023 by Varley and McGowan‑Fazackerley after the toddler was found unresponsive. Paramedics attempted resuscitation and the child was pronounced dead at around 7.20pm.
- Key verdicts
- Jamie Varley — guilty of murder; also faced charges including sexual assault of a child under 13, grievous bodily harm, multiple counts of child cruelty, and offences relating to indecent images.
- John McGowan‑Fazackerley — guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child; convicted on two counts of child cruelty and of sexual assault of a child under 13.
Background evidence presented at trial traced Preston’s route into care. Born at Wythenshawe Hospital on 16 June 2022, he was placed under an interim care order after an application by Oldham Council and spent his early months in foster care. In April 2023, when he was nine months old, he began an adoptive placement with the defendants at a property on Staining Avenue in Blackpool.
Forensic findings and contested accounts
Medical examiners recorded the cause of death as an acute upper airway obstruction, noting that smothering or the insertion of an object into the mouth were possible causes. The prosecution told the court that a post‑mortem revealed the toddler had suffered roughly 40 traumatic and non‑accidental injuries, both internal and external.
Those injuries, the jury heard, included wounds to the face, head and mouth; bruising on the upper limbs, back and thigh; and damage to the lower body — including the bowel and bladder. The thigh injury was described by experts as consistent with at least one slap. There was also bruising to the back of Preston’s throat.
Varley told the court he had left Preston alone in the bath for a short period and returned to find the baby submerged and “floppy.” Prosecutors, however, pointed out that when the child arrived at hospital his hair and body were dry and chest compressions did not expel water from his airways, evidence they said was inconsistent with drowning.
What happens next
Both men denied all charges throughout the trial. Sentencing will follow at a future hearing after the court completes procedural steps. The Crown Prosecution Service had pursued a wide range of charges in the months after Preston’s death, including allegations of sexual and physical abuse.
- Timeline (at a glance)
- 16 June 2022 — Preston born at 36 weeks.
- April 2023 — Placed with Varley and McGowan‑Fazackerley on an adoptive placement.
- 27 July 2023 — Taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and later pronounced dead at 7.20pm.
- 15 June (trial year) — Jury returns guilty verdicts after a six‑week trial.
This prosecution has underscored questions about oversight of children in care and the mechanisms used by local authorities and agencies to assess risk. Officials and legal teams involved in the case are expected to address next steps publicly as sentencing is set and any related reviews proceed.
Hi, I’m Benjamin, a member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a passion for writing and a deep interest in current affairs, I thoroughly enjoy bringing you the latest news and trends that affect our daily lives.
