Judge Sentences Gay Couple Who Sexually Abused, Murdered Adopted Baby. What Happens To Those Who Ignored Red Flags?

British teacher Jamie Varley, 37, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Thursday for the sexual abuse and murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey.

Varley and his partner, 32-year-old John McGowan-Fazakerley, reportedly adopted Davey in April 2023, when the child was nine months old. McGowan-Fazakerley was given a 25-year sentence for sexual abuse, child cruelty, and “allowing the death of a child,” according to The Guardian. Such a sentence seems inadequate for the evil acts in which McGowan-Fazakerley participated. The men reportedly denied all charges.

The details of the case are sickening.

Two men adopt a healthy, happy baby. His grandmother, who looks after his sister, objects. She asks for the baby to be fostered for a few months until she is well enough to take him. This is denied.

His adoptive "father" abuses him until he dies. pic.twitter.com/AnqRzim5dD

— Sam Ashworth-Hayes (@SAshworthHayes) June 15, 2026

Davey was reportedly taken from his biological mother, Sarah Davey, five days after his birth. His mother, now 42, was sentenced to jail at 14 for the torture and murder of a retiree, according to The Spectator’s Melanie McDonagh.

In a victim impact statement, Sarah Davey reportedly told the men who tortured her son: “He relied entirely on you — the adults responsible for him — to love him, care for him, and keep him safe. Instead, you caused him suffering. You took away his chance to grow up, to go to school, to make friends, to live a full life. You took everything from him.” (Read more from “Judge Sentences Gay Couple Who Sexually Abused, Murdered Adopted Baby. What Happens To Those Who Ignored Red Flags?” HERE)