A school teacher has been jailed for life without parole for sexually abusing and murdering a 13-month-old boy he adopted with his partner, bringing an end to a case detectives described as one of the most disturbing they had encountered.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
Jamie Varley, 37, received a whole-life order at Preston Crown Court on Thursday for the murder of Preston Davey, meaning he will never be released from prison. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was jailed for 25 years after being convicted of sexual assault, child cruelty and allowing the death of a child, The Guardian reported.
The court heard that Preston spent the first months of his life in foster care before being adopted by the couple in April 2023. Within less than four months of moving into their home near Blackpool, the toddler was dead.
Prosecutors said Preston was routinely subjected to physical and sexual abuse while living with the pair. Evidence presented during the trial showed he suffered 40 separate injuries during his time in their care.
When Preston was rushed to hospital on July 27, 2023, Varley claimed the child had accidentally drowned after being left unattended in a bath. However, medical evidence quickly cast doubt on that account.
Jurors heard Preston's hair was dry, he was still wearing a nappy and there was no evidence he had swallowed water. A Home Office post-mortem examination later ruled out drowning and concluded that he died after an object, or objects, obstructed his airway.
The trial also heard that Preston had previously been taken to hospital on multiple occasions with bruising and other injuries that raised concerns among medical professionals.
After an eight-week trial, jurors found Varley guilty of murder and a string of other offences, including sexual assault of a child, grievous bodily harm, child cruelty and indecent image offences.
McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual assault.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows said the abuse began shortly after Preston was placed with the couple.
Describing the pair as "pure evil", he said: "For the first nine months of his life Preston was a happy and healthy child but by the end he was a broken shell."
The judge said the severity of Varley's crimes justified one of the most serious sentences available under English law, ensuring he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
