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 ᴅᴇᴀᴅ 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.
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”.
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.”
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 pᴀssed 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 pᴀssed away.
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 Sєxually 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 ᴀssessment and approval of adopters.
“An independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review is being completed.”
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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 ᴀssault by penetration, five counts of cruelty to a child, grievous bodily harm, Sєxual ᴀssault of a child, 13 counts of taking indecent pH๏τos or videos of a child, one of distributing an indecent pH๏τo of a child, to his co-accused, and one of making an indecent pH๏τo.
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 Sєxual ᴀssault of a child.
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 Sєxual, 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.”
