Blackpool Tower is set to be illuminated in blue to mark the third anniversary of the death of toddler Preston Davey. The tribute has been organised at the request of Preston’s birth mother, Sarah Davey. Preston was 13 months old when he was murdered by his adoptive father, Jamie Varley. The incident happened on Staining Road in Blackpool, Lancashire.
Preston was placed with Varley and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, in March 2023 after the couple were approved as adopters.
During a seven-week trial at Preston Crown Court, jurors heard that Preston was subjected to prolonged physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Prosecutors said he suffered around 40 separate injuries before his death, describing the case as one of the most disturbing they had ever encountered.
Varley was convicted of murder, grievous bodily harm, child cruelty, sexual offences and indecent image offences. He was handed a whole life order, meaning he will spend the rest of his life in prison. McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual assault. He was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment.
The court heard that during the nearly four months Preston lived at the couple’s home in Blackpool, he was repeatedly assaulted, neglected and sexually abused.
Before his placement, Preston had been removed from the care of his birth mother under an emergency care order obtained by Oldham Council.
Sarah Davey, now 42, was imprisoned at the age of 14 after being convicted of the 1998 murder of a vulnerable elderly man, a crime a judge described at the time as “unspeakably wicked”.
A spokesperson for Blackpool Tourism said: “I can confirm that the Tower will be lit in blue on Monday 27 July.”