Adoptive Dads Accused of Murdering Baby Underwent 'Robust Vetting', Court Hears
Two adoptive fathers accused of murdering their 13-month-old son went through a "robust vetting process" before being approved to care for the child, a court has been told. The tragic case involves teacher Jamie Varley, 37, who denies murdering his adopted son, Preston Davey, and his partner, salesman John McGowan-Fazackerley, 32, who is also facing serious charges.
Details of the Allegations
The prosecution alleges that Preston Davey died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on July 27, 2023, after his upper airways were obstructed, leading to cardiac arrest. A post-mortem examination revealed around 40 internal and external injuries on the baby's body. The tot had been in the care of Varley and McGowan-Fazackerley for just four months, living at their home on Staining Avenue in Blackpool.
According to prosecutors, Preston was subjected to physical, psychological, and sexual abuse throughout his time with his new parents. Varley is accused of being the main abuser, while McGowan-Fazackerley is alleged to have failed to recognize the risk and remove Preston from harm. Both men are also accused of sexually abusing the child days before his death.
Charges and Denials
Jamie Varley faces multiple charges, including:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Sexual assault
- Grievous bodily harm
- Child cruelty
- Making and distributing indecent images
John McGowan-Fazackerley is accused of:
- Causing and allowing the death of a child
- Two counts of cruelty to a person under 16
- Sexual assault of a male child under 13
Both defendants, from Chandlers Way, Grimsargh, near Preston, deny all charges. The trial is ongoing at Preston Crown Court.
The Adoption Process
During the trial, social worker Victoria Readett from Adoption Now, which works with Oldham Council, testified about the adoption process. She stated that Varley and McGowan-Fazackerley underwent stage one of the process between December 2021 and March 2022, which included:
- DBS checks
- Employer and personal references
- A medical examination
- Training provided by the agency
Due to Covid restrictions at the time, only one home visit was conducted in person, with other meetings held via Microsoft Teams. The couple later delayed stage two as Varley wanted to focus on his Year 11 students' exams, with Readett confirming they "did not rush the adoption process."
Stage two began in September 2022 and involved at least eight home visits. Readett described it as a "really robust" home study, covering topics such as education, health, identity, and safety. The applicants discussed adoption issues, children's backgrounds, and their lived experiences, as well as their expectations for family life and how they could meet the needs of children with adoption care plans.
Matching and Handover
In January 2023, the couple completed stage two, and searches began to find a suitable match. Readett liaised with colleague Amy Shepherdson, Preston's social worker, to arrange introductions. Neither social worker had any concerns about the interactions between the men and Preston during this process, leading to a handover on April 3, 2023.
The trial continues as the court examines the details of this heartbreaking case, highlighting the complexities of adoption vetting and child safety.
