Teacher Convicted in Death of Adopted Toddler; Partner Also Found Guilty of Child Abuse Offenses

A court has found a former teacher guilty of the murder of his 13-month-old adopted son following a trial that examined the child’s death in July 2023.

The victim, Preston Davey, had been adopted by Jamie Varley, 37, and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32. Prosecutors told the court that the child suffered prolonged abuse while in their care.

According to evidence presented during the trial, Varley initially claimed that Preston had accidentally drowned in a bathtub. However, a post-mortem examination found numerous injuries inconsistent with an accidental death, leading investigators to launch a homicide inquiry.

The jury convicted Varley of murder and additional offenses related to the abuse of the child. McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of sexual assault, child cruelty, and causing or allowing the death of a child.

The case has drawn widespread attention across the United Kingdom due to the nature of the offenses and the vulnerability of the young victim.

During the proceedings, prosecutors described the abuse as sustained and severe, while investigators presented medical and forensic evidence supporting the charges.

Child protection advocates have said the case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring concerns about abuse are identified and acted upon as early as possible.

Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by the court, where the judge will determine the appropriate penalties based on the convictions and the evidence presented during the trial.