The sick ex-teacher who murdered baby Preston Davey – and the partner who joined in with his horrific abuse – have been sentenced today.

Jamie Varley, 37, was convicted of murdering the 13-month-old during a sexual assault on July 27, 2023. Today, Varley was handed a whole life order by High Court judge Mr Justice Turner. The judge told him: “This is a case of the utmost gravity. You will stay in prison for the whole of your life. You will never be released.”

His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was also sentenced for his role in Preston’s death, as well as a joint sex attack on the helpless child four days earlier. He has been handed 25 years in jail.

Preston was born to convicted killer Sarah Davey – who today spoke in court and told her son’s killer ‘I will never forgive you’. Five days after he was born, Preston was taken into the care of Oldham council and, at nine months old, was handed over to Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley, who had been approved to adopt a child.

But Preston was subjected to ever increasing physical, sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of teacher Varley. McGowan-Fazakerley turned a blind eye to the abuse and on July 23 took part in a joint attack on Preston.

On July 27, Preston was carried into Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac arrest and pronounced dead at 7.18pm.

This week, Varley was found guilty of murder; GBH; sexual assault; cruelty; and making, taking and distributing indecent images of Preston. McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of causing or allowing Preston’s death; cruelty; and sexual assault.

Reporter Rachel Smith will bring live updates from Preston Court in our live blog below…