UK seaside town to light up famous attraction to remember baby Preston | UK | News

Blackpool Tower will be lit up in blue to mark the third anniversary of the death of toddler Preston Davey. The memorial service was held at the request of Preston’s biological mother, Sarah Davey. Preston was 13 months old when he was murdered by his stepfather Jamie Varley. The incident took place on Staining Road in Blackpool, Lancashire.

Preston was placed with Varley and her partner John McGowan-Fazakerley in March 2023 after the couple were approved as adopters.

During the seven-week trial at Preston Crown Court, jurors heard Preston suffered prolonged physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Prosecutors described the case as one of the most disturbing they had ever encountered, noting that he suffered approximately 40 separate injuries before his death.

Varley was found guilty of murder, grievous bodily harm, cruelty to a child, sexual offenses and indecent image. He was given a life sentence, meaning he would spend the rest of his life in prison. McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of causing or permitting the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual assault. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

The court heard Preston was repeatedly attacked, neglected and sexually abused during the nearly four months he lived at the couple’s Blackpool home.

Prior to his placement, Preston had been removed from the care of his biological mother under an urgent care order obtained by Oldham Council.

Sarah Davey, now 42, was jailed at the age of 14 after being convicted of murdering a defenseless elderly man in 1998; It was a crime that a judge at the time described as “unspeakably evil.”

A spokesperson for Blackpool Tourism said: “I can confirm that the tower will be illuminated in blue on Monday 27 July.”