Trushali
- 16 June 2026
Authority behind murdered baby’s adoption in Blackpool issues statement
By Vanessa Sims
Published 16th Jun 2026, 13:35 BST
Oldham Safeguarding Children Partnership (OSCP) now plans to reconvene a review into the baby’s placement after it was paused to allow the criminal trial to take place.
Safeguarding measures designed to protect a 13-month-old baby boy murdered after he was placed for adoption are to be examined in a review.
Little Preston Davey was dead less than four months after he was placed for adoption by Adoption Now on behalf of Oldham Council into the care of Blackpool teacher Jamie Varley and his now ex-partner John McGowan-Fazakerley.
Ex-South Shore Academy teacher Jamie Varley with his partner and co-accused John McGowan-Fazackerley. inset little Preston Davey who died at blackpool Victoria Hospital on July 72, 2023 | Iconic Media
Yesterday, the pair were found unanimously guilty of all charges and will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court tomorrow.
In a statement issued by Oldham Council, the local authority charged with Preston’s care, a spokesman described the case as “heart-wrenching and disturbing”.
Oldham Safeguarding Children Partnership (OSCP) now plans to reconvene a review into the baby’s placement after it was paused to allow the criminal trial to take place.
The review is expected to examine the handling of Preston’s safeguarding and the involvement of agencies responsible for his welfare before his death.
A spokesperson for Oldham Council said: “The death of any child is a tragedy, but this is a particularly heart-wrenching and disturbing case.
“We are thankful that the perpetrators of the sickening murder and abuse of an innocent child have today been convicted for their crimes.
“An independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review is already underway, which will examine the handling of Preston’s safeguarding.
“Our thoughts remain with Preston’s family, loved ones, and the many people affected by this case.”
John McGowan-Fazackerley (middle inset), the man accused of causing or allowing the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey (main) told the jury at Preston Crown Court he has split with co-accused and ex-South Shore Academy teacher Jamie Varley (bottom) and his trust in him to care for their son-to-be adopted son was ‘misplaced’. | Iconic Media
As soon as the rapid review is complete, the OSCP will send a copy of it’s report to the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, where it can be decided if a national inquiry is needed.
Lancashire Police began investigating what happened to Preston after they were called by medics to Blackpool Victoria Hospital to the sudden and unexpected death of a child on July 27, 2023.
They arrived at the hospital to discover a theatrical Varley screaming and shouting and refusing to accept baby Preston had passed away.
After months of vetting by Adoption Now, whow work on behalf of Oldham Council to find placements for children in the council’s care, Preston moved in with the couple at their home in Staining Road, Staining.
But less than four months later and before the adoption could be formalised by the courts, he passed away.
The birth mother of tragic Preston Davey leaves Preston Crown Court during the trial of Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley | © National World Resell
A post mortem examination confirmed he had suffered 40 trauma injuries, internally and externally, including tears and lacerations, with “in excess” of 30 ‘non-accidential’ bruises across his body.
Varley tried to explain away Preston’s death by claiming he had momentarily left him unattended in a bath. But officers could find no evidence of drowning.
Instead it is understood th youngster was the victim of sickening sexually abuse which led to his cardiac arrest.
A spokesperson for Adoption Now, a regional agency which brings together the local authority adoption services for Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside working in partnership with two voluntary adoption agencies, Caritas Care and Adoption Matters, said: “This was a deeply upsetting case, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by these truly awful crimes.
“Adoption Now follows a strict and rigorous process in line with all relevant legislation and guidance in the assessment and approval of adopters.
“An independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review is being completed.”
John McGowan-Fazackerley (top right), the man accused of causing or allowing the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey (inset) told the jury at Preston Crown Court he has split with co-accused and ex-South Shore Academy teacher Jamie Varley (bottom right) and his trust in him to care for their son-to-be adopted son was ‘misplaced’. Also pictured is police searching the couple’s home in Staining Road, Staining | Iconic Media
The trial heard Preston had contact with a number of professionals during the months before his death. The safeguarding review is expected to consider whether opportunities existed for concerns to be identified or acted upon before the fatal incident.
Karen Tonge of the Crown Prosecution Service described the case as one of the most shocking and horrific she had dealt with during her career.
She said Preston had been failed by the very people who were entrusted with caring for him.
37-year-old Varley, of Chandlers Way, Grimsargh and formerly of Staining Road, Staining was found guilty of murder, two counts of assault by penetration, five counts of cruelty to a child, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault of a child, 13 counts of taking indecent photos or videos of a child, one of distributing an indecent photo of a child, to his co-accused, and one of making an indecent photo.
His ex-partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, also of Chandlers Way, Grimsargh and formerly of Staining Road, Staining was found guilty of allowing the death of a child, three counts of child cruelty and one count of the sexual assault of a child.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows has co-cordinated the efforts of hundreds of specially trained Lancashire Police officers as he sought to uncover the truth about what happened in the final four months of 13-month-old Preston Davey’s life (inset). | Michelle Adamson Iconic Media
An NSPCC spokesperson said: “This is a deeply distressing and heartbreaking case.
“Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were entrusted with caring for Preston Davey and providing him with a safe, loving childhood. Instead, for the four months he lived with the couple, this little boy was subjected to sexual, physical and emotional abuse, before being murdered by Varley.
“This case will leave many people asking how such a tragedy could have happened. Babies are particularly vulnerable as they are entirely reliant on the adults around them for care and protection, and Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley are responsible for Preston’s suffering and death.
“It is vital that any learnings identified for others involved in this little boy’s short life are fully acted upon to help protect children in the future.
“Everyone can play a part in keeping children safe, and that sometimes means asking difficult questions and thinking the unthinkable. We all need to challenge things that don’t seem right and share our concerns with those who can intervene.
“Anyone who has concerns about a child’s welfare or safety can call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. If a child is in immediate danger, always call the police on 999.”