John McGowan-Fazakerley

Adoptive Father Found Guilty Over Abuse and Death of Baby Preston

John McGowan-Fazakerley has been found guilty of sexual assault, child cruelty and allowing the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey, whom he adopted with his partner, Jamie Varley.

Following an eight-week trial at Preston Crown Court, jurors heard that Preston suffered months of abuse after being placed with the couple in April 2023. The child sustained numerous injuries and was subjected to sexual abuse before his death in July 2023.

While Varley was convicted of murder and multiple child abuse offences, McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of failing to protect Preston and participating in some of the abuse. The court heard that despite opportunities to intervene, he allowed the mistreatment to continue.

Detectives described the case as one of the most disturbing they had encountered. Both men are due to be sentenced on Thursday.