Overview
- A jury at Preston Crown Court found textiles teacher Jamie Varley guilty of murder and multiple sexual and physical offences against 13‑month‑old Preston Davey, while his partner John McGowan‑Fazakerley was convicted of allowing the child’s death and child cruelty.
- Evidence presented at trial included extensive indecent photographs and videos, witness accounts of Varley saying he had 'dark thoughts,' and multiple inconsistent explanations for injuries during three hospital visits in the weeks before Preston died.
- A Home Office post‑mortem concluded Preston’s death was caused by acute upper airways obstruction from an object or objects inserted into his mouth and recorded about 40 non‑accidental internal and external injuries consistent with prolonged sexual and physical abuse.
- The guilty verdicts were delivered on 15 June 2026 and both men are due to be sentenced on 18 July 2026 at Preston Crown Court.
- Oldham Council’s independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review, paused for the prosecution, will resume to investigate missed opportunities by hospitals, social care and other agencies and to recommend changes aimed at better protecting looked‑after children.