Preston Davey’s killer used video of tot playing to try and cover up his horrific abuse
Convicted child killer Jamie Varley showed the footage to medical staff but there was a sinister truth behind it
It appeared to be just another minor tumble experienced by a toddler learning to walk. However, footage of this routine mishap was exploited by evil Jamie Varley in an attempt to conceal the horrific abuse he inflicted upon Preston Davey.
A fortnight after the footage was recorded, Preston was brought to the A&E department at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. He presented with a rash and temperature and was kept in overnight.
Medical staff observed bruising on Preston’s head and enquired about the cause. At this moment, Varley presented the video and maintained Preston was a ‘clumsy baby’ who was learning to walk and had a squint which impacted his coordination, reports the Manchester Evening News.
This account was meticulously documented in medical records, which subsequently became evidence during the trial where Varley was found guilty of Preston’s murder.
Following Preston’s death, with more than 40 non-accidental injuries to his head, leg, arms and internal organs, investigators examined the evidence more thoroughly. It transpired the video was filmed on 18 June – nearly a fortnight prior to the hospital visit.
The bruises were more recent and the video could not explain their origin, it emerged. In the witness box, ‘sadistic’ schoolteacher Varley contradicted the statement he provided in hospital nearly three years earlier.
The 37 year old insisted he had described the video as ‘an example of the type of thing he does’, rather than a particular explanation for the bruising observed that day.
This was amongst numerous falsehoods dismissed by the jury, who saw past Varley’s efforts to portray himself as a respectable, professional father.
(Image: Lancashire Police/PA Wire)
Earlier this week, paedophile Varley, 37, was found guilty of murder, GBH, sexual assault, cruelty and taking indecent images of Preston. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was found guilty of sexual assault, neglect and allowing the death of a child.
Preston was merely 13 months old when he was murdered by Varley. He had been under the couple’s care for fewer than four months.
Varley received a whole life sentence and was informed he will never be eligible for parole following his conviction for a murder that ‘shocked the nation. ‘.
His partner was imprisoned for 25 years for permitting Varley’s treatment of the child and participating in the sexual abuse.
Preston Davey was filmed pulling a heavy toy on top of him
