Preston Davey’s sick and twisted killer ‘wanted a baby, not a toddler’ | UK | News
Preston Davey (Image: Lancashire Police / PA Media)
Horror killer Jamie Varley and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley adopted baby Peston Davey in 2023; he died just four months later. A friend of Varley claimed that the killer wanted a baby instead of a toddler.
The friend claims Varley, 37, “decided she wanted a baby” rather than an older child when she adopted little Preston Davey. Baby Preston was subjected to Varley’s brutal campaign of sexual and physical abuse. He was given a rare life sentence by a judge last week after he was found guilty of murder. McGowan-Fazakerley was sentenced to 25 years in prison last week.
Jamie Varley given rare life order (Image: Lancashire Police / PA Media)
Preston’s cause of death was determined to be acute upper respiratory tract obstruction due to asphyxiation or an object or objects being inserted into his mouth.
Autopsy examination found 40 external and internal trauma injuries on the child’s body consistent with “break-in” and sexual abuse, and asphyxiation was excluded as the cause of death.
Preston was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on July 27, 2023, where Varley told medical staff he left the child in the bathroom for two or three minutes and found him underwater when he returned.
Mr Wright said: “As Preston lay dying he needed an explanation and the farce followed.”
He reminded jurors that the child’s hair was dry, he was wearing a diaper, there was no water in the bathtub and there was no water in his lungs.
Following his trial, a friend claimed Varley had “dominated” his relationship with McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, after the pair met at Manchester Gay Village in 2018.
John McGowan-Fazakerley – Jamie’s partner (Image: Lancashire Police / PA Media)
Another claimed Varley “took charge” when they adopted Preston and was the one to take paternity leave, telling McGowan-Fazakerley he should continue working because Varley “would be a more natural father”.
Her female friend told the Sun: “She was adamant that she wanted a baby and not a toddler or older child. “Now you have to ask what her goal was from the beginning.
“There was never any doubt that they couldn’t have children because they were a poster couple for adoption. Who could topple a financial salesperson and a popular teacher?”
The couple had a three-bedroom house in Blackpool with marble floors and chandeliers in the bedrooms. Daily Star.
Friends claimed that Varley had a sinister side, although he appeared to be “a popular teacher and a super friendly guy who was totally together”.
Another friend told The Sun: “There was always something quite dark about him. He always had to be the center of attention wherever he went.
“John was a much quieter guy and I think he might have been a little shy when they were out and about together.”
Neighbors claimed Varley could often be heard shouting at the couple’s home, but the Adoption Now agency, which covers Lancashire, ignored any concerns and Oldham Council gave final approval to place baby Preston with the couple.
