The Video That Broke the Lie: Latest Update on the Preston Davey Case
A baby placed into adoption for safety became the center of one of Britain’s most heartbreaking criminal cases — and now the courtroom verdict has turned into a national demand for answers.
The latest confirmed update in the Preston Davey case is that former teacher Jamie Varley, 37, has been sentenced to a whole-life order, meaning he will remain in prison for the rest of his life with no chance of parole. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted of allowing Preston’s death, child cruelty and sexual assault. The sentencing took place at Preston Crown Court in June 2026 after a lengthy and deeply distressing trial. (ITVX)
Preston Davey was only 13 months old when he died in July 2023. According to the Crown Prosecution Service, he had been placed with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley just four months earlier as part of an adoption process. Prosecutors said Varley falsely claimed Preston had accidentally drowned in a bath, but medical evidence showed his injuries were consistent with obstruction of his airway, not a simple accident.
The case became even more shocking because investigators found evidence on Varley’s phone. Prosecutors said images and videos had been stored on the device, and the material became a major part of the trial. The CPS said Preston had suffered more than 40 separate injuries during the final months of his life, while in the care of the two men who were supposed to protect him.
Lancashire Police confirmed that Preston had first entered emergency foster care only five days after his birth. During his first nine months with foster carers, he was described by health professionals as healthy and happy. On March 23, 2023, an adoption panel approved the placement with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley; by March 31, Preston had spent his first night in their home. Police said all the offences against him happened during the four months before his death on July 27, 2023.
At sentencing, Mr Justice Turner described the case as one of “extreme gravity.” ITV reported that the judge told Varley he had used his background as a teacher, along with his charm and manner, to reassure others that everything was fine. The court heard that Preston had suffered “unremitting abuse” and neglect before his death.
Sky News published a detailed timeline showing that there had been several warning signs before Preston died. He had been taken to hospital more than once, including after being found floppy and unresponsive in May 2023. Medical staff noticed bruising, safeguarding teams were informed, and police and social services were contacted. However, the concerns did not lead to Preston being removed from the home.
Another hospital visit followed in June 2023, when bruising was again noted. According to Sky’s timeline, Varley showed staff a home video to explain one injury, but it later emerged that the video had been filmed days earlier. In July 2023, Preston was taken to hospital with an arm injury. These details are now central to the wider question being asked across the UK: how many chances were missed? (Sky News)
The case has now moved beyond the courtroom. The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, issued a strong statement after sentencing, calling Preston’s death a failure of the state and safeguarding system. She said the state had taken responsibility for finding Preston a safer future, yet he was murdered after entering the care of people approved to adopt him. She also called for stronger information-sharing, accountability and a Child Protection Authority.
Oldham Council has confirmed that an independent child safeguarding practice review is underway. The review is expected to examine how Preston’s case was handled and whether signs of danger were missed by agencies involved in his care. LocalGov reported that the council described the case as “particularly heart-wrenching and disturbing.”