The case of baby Preston Davey is one of the most harrowing child abuse cases in recent UK history, exposing catastrophic failures in the systems designed to protect vulnerable children. A 13-month-old boy who entered the world with promise was subjected to “unremitting abuse” before being murdered by his adoptive father, Jamie Varley .
A Promising Beginning
Born four weeks early on June 16, 2022, at Wythenshawe Hospital, weighing just 5lb 7oz, Preston’s life began with challenges . His biological mother, Sarah Davey, had a troubled history, having been imprisoned at age 14 for murder . Due to these circumstances, Preston was placed into emergency foster care at just five days old under an interim care order from Oldham Council .
For the next nine months, Preston thrived with foster carers Sandra and Paul Cooper, who later described him as a “joyful, so content and happy, with sparkly smiling eyes” . This was the Preston his foster family remembers—a happy baby who deserved a loving future.
The Adoption and First Warning Signs
On January 6, 2023, high school teacher Jamie Varley, 37, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, were approved for adoption by Adoption Now . They visited Preston on February 13, and he spent his first night at their Blackpool home on April 1 .
Just five days later, Varley sent a chilling text to his sister, a baby sleep trainer: “He’s dead meat today. Didn’t sleep last night after 11.30” . This sinister message was the first of many red flags that would tragically be dismissed.
Escalating Medical Concerns
Between May and July 2023, Preston was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on three separate occasions . On May 25, he arrived floppy and unresponsive, with medical staff noting bruising to his head. Although a report stated the injuries were “inconsistent with a version of events,” the bruises were not regarded as suspicious for a baby learning to walk .
On June 30, the couple brought Preston to A&E with a rash and fever. Staff again noticed head bruising but were shown a home video of Preston pulling a toy box onto himself—footage later discovered to have been filmed 12 days earlier. Varley commented: “You lot are going to think we have been abusing him or something” .
On July 6, Varley brought Preston in for a third time with a fractured elbow. Social worker Amy Shepherdson reassured Varley that doctors had “absolutely no concerns” and visited the home, noting Preston had a “very sad face and a little cry” .
The Final Days
On July 23, Varley took a series of photos showing Preston unconscious or asleep, his neck resting on the cot bar, lips appearing blue . Four days later, at 4:45 pm, Varley recorded a 35-second video of Preston in “extreme respiratory distress,” taking an “agonal gasp”—yet waited until 6:30 pm to rush him to hospital .
Varley claimed Preston had drowned in the bath, but medics noted the child was dry and still wearing a nappy. Despite 50 minutes of resuscitation efforts, Preston was pronounced dead at 7:18 pm .
Justice and Accountability
A post-mortem examination revealed approximately 40 traumatic injuries and concluded the cause of death was acute upper airway obstruction, ruling out drowning . On June 15, 2026, Varley was found guilty of murder and multiple sexual offences, receiving a whole life order—meaning he will never be released . McGowan-Fazakerley was sentenced to 25 years for allowing Preston’s death and child cruelty .
The case has sparked calls for a public inquiry into safeguarding failures . A coroner has stated it is “highly likely” an inquest will be held to scrutinise missed opportunities . Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows urged: “I don’t want the victim in this case, baby Preston Davey, to be lost in the headlines. He was a happy and thriving boy” .
