Community Gathers to Remember Preston Davey
Family, friends, and community members gathered in Preston's Flag Market to honor Preston Davey on what would have been his fourth birthday. The vigil, marked by candlelight, bagpipes, and a minute's silence, paid tribute to the 13-month-old who died in July 2023.
Biological Father Speaks of Heartbreak
Gary Nolan, Preston Davey's biological father, attended the solemn event and shared his profound grief and anger. Speaking to BBC North West Tonight, Nolan described his son's final months as a period of "terror at the hands of a monster." He lamented, "My son should be alive today on his birthday and not dead."
Circumstances Surrounding Preston's Death
Preston Davey was tragically killed by his adoptive father, Jamie Varley, 37, a teacher from Blackpool, Lancashire. Varley was found guilty of murder and sexual assault. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was convicted of sexual assault, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child. Both are awaiting sentencing.
The court proceedings revealed that Preston endured severe ill-treatment, sexual abuse, and physical assaults, sustaining 40 traumatic injuries in the almost four months he was in their care. He had been taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital three times in the months leading up to his death on 27 July 2023.
Preston's Early Life and Adoption
Born in June 2022, Preston was taken into care by Oldham Council shortly after birth, due to his mother, Sarah Davey, having a history of incarceration. He spent the first 10 months of his life with foster parents. In April 2023, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved as adoptive parents, and Preston moved into their home in Blackpool.
A Community Remembers
The vigil was organized by Niamh Cardwell-Clarke, who encouraged attendees to remember Preston as "the beautiful little boy he was." She invited people to bring candles, teddies, and blow bubbles as a tribute. In solidarity, many individuals also posted images of lit candles from their homes. Tributes of teddies and flowers were laid out at the vigil site.
Source: Murdered Preston Davey's biological dad tells of anguish at vigil
