A former teacher has been told he will spend the rest of his life in prison after being convicted of murdering 13 month old Preston Davey and a series of child sexual offences.
His partner, John McGowan Fazakerley, was jailed for 25 years for offences connected to the toddler’s death.
Roch Valley Radio reports that Jamie Varley, 37, was handed a whole life order at Preston Crown Court on Thursday 18 June after being found guilty of murder, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault, child cruelty and offences involving indecent images of Preston.
Sentencing Varley, Mr Justice Turner described the case as one of the "most extreme gravity" and told him he would never be eligible for release.
McGowan Fazakerley, 32, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child, child cruelty offences and sexual assault of a child.
Preston was born on 16 June 2022 and entered the care of Oldham Council days later. Varley and McGowan Fazakerley were approved as adopters in January 2023 and Preston moved to live with them in Blackpool in April that year.
The court heard that Preston was subjected to prolonged physical, sexual and emotional abuse while living with the couple. On 27 July 2023 he was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead later that evening.
During sentencing, the judge said Varley had murdered Preston and described the abuse suffered by the child as unremitting. He also found that McGowan Fazakerley had failed to take steps to protect Preston despite being aware of concerns.
The case has attracted significant attention across Greater Manchester, including Rochdale, following calls for scrutiny of safeguarding and adoption processes. An independent review has already been announced following the convictions.
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