Former Teacher Given Whole Life Order for Murder of Adopted Toddler

A former teacher has been sentenced to a whole life order after being convicted of the murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey, a child he and his partner were in the process of adopting.

Jamie Varley, 37, received the sentence at Preston Crown Court following his conviction for murder and other serious offenses relating to the abuse of the child in July 2023. A whole life order means he will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole under the applicable legal framework.

His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of offenses including causing or allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault.

The convictions followed an eight-week trial during which prosecutors presented medical, forensic, and witness evidence concerning Preston’s death.

During sentencing, the judge described the offenses as exceptionally serious, emphasizing the defendants’ responsibility to protect a vulnerable child in their care.

The case has received widespread attention across the United Kingdom due to the nature of the crimes and the age of the victim.

Child protection advocates say the case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring that concerns about abuse are identified and acted upon as quickly as possible.

The court concluded the proceedings with the imposition of lengthy custodial sentences, bringing the criminal trial to a close while leaving a lasting impact on the victim’s family and the wider community.