Vigil Held to Remember Preston Davey
The biological father of Preston Davey, a 13-month-old boy who was murdered, attended a candlelit vigil held in memory of his son. He shared his anguish, revealing that Preston endured months of "terror at the hands of a monster." The vigil took place on what would have been Preston's fourth birthday, with family, friends, and well-wishers gathering to pay tribute.
Details of Preston's Death and Convictions
Preston died in July 2023. His adoptive father, Jamie Varley, 37, a teacher from Blackpool, Lancashire, was responsible for his death. Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was also convicted on charges including sexual assault, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child. Both men are scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday.
Father's Statement at the Vigil
Speaking at the vigil in Preston's Flag Market, Gary Nolan expressed his heartbreak and anger toward the convicted men. He told BBC North West Tonight:
"My son went through four months of terror at the hands of a monster,"
"My son should be alive today on his birthday and not dead."
Background on Preston and His Family
Preston was born in June 2022 and was taken into care by Oldham Council. His mother, Sarah Davey, now 42, had a troubled history, having been jailed at age 14 for the murder of a frail pensioner in 1998 and having spent time in and out of prison since then.
Preston was placed with foster parents at five days old and remained with them for the first 10 months of his life. In April 2023, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved for adoption, and Preston began living with them in Blackpool.
Abuse and Medical History
During the nearly four months Preston was in their care, he was subjected to routine ill-treatment, sexual abuse, and physical assault, sustaining 40 traumatic injuries. The trial revealed that Preston had been taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital three times in the months preceding his death on 27 July 2023.
Vigil Activities and Community Response
At the vigil, attendees lit candles while a piper played the bagpipes, followed by a minute's silence in Preston's honor.
Organiser Niamh Cardwell-Clarke explained the purpose of the event was to remember Preston and "the beautiful little boy he was." She invited people to "come along, pay a tribute, bring a candle, bring a teddy, blow some bubbles and let's just remember him for the beautiful boy he was and not for the horrific start in life he had."
In addition to the vigil, dozens of people posted images of candles lit at their homes to honor Preston's birthday.
Additional Information
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