Oldham safeguarding review to restart after teacher convicted of sexually abusing and murdering adopted baby Preston

An independent safeguarding review is set to resume after two men were convicted over the abuse and death of 13 month old Preston Davey, who had been placed with them by Oldham Council with a view to adoption.

Jamie Varley was found guilty of murder and multiple child abuse offences, while John McGowan Fazakerley was convicted of allowing the death of a child and other offences.

The convictions were returned at Preston Crown Court following an eight week trial which heard how Preston died just four months after being placed with the couple in April 2023.

Preston, who was born on 16 June 2022 and was also known as Elijah, was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on 27 July 2023 after suffering a cardiac arrest. Despite efforts by medical staff, he died later that evening.

The court heard that Preston suffered dozens of injuries while in the care of the two men and that he had been subjected to physical and sexual abuse.

A post mortem examination found that his death was caused by acute upper airway obstruction.

Varley, a former secondary school teacher, was convicted of murder along with a series of sexual offences, child cruelty offences, grievous bodily harm and indecent image offences involving the child.

McGowan Fazakerley was convicted of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty offences and sexual assault.

The case has also renewed scrutiny of safeguarding arrangements surrounding Preston's placement.

Preston had been removed from the care of his birth family and was placed with Varley and McGowan Fazakerley by Oldham Council as prospective adoptive parents.

Following the guilty verdicts, Oldham Council confirmed that an independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review, which had been paused while criminal proceedings were ongoing, will now continue.

The review is expected to examine the handling of Preston's safeguarding and the involvement of agencies responsible for his welfare before his death.

An Oldham Council spokesperson said the death of any child was a tragedy but described Preston's case as particularly disturbing.

The council said it was grateful those responsible had been convicted and confirmed that the safeguarding review would examine what happened and identify any lessons that could be learned.

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.

Both defendants will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on 18 June.