Murdered Preston Davey's dad tells of anguish at vigil

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Murdered Preston Davey's dad tells of anguish at vigil32 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleYunus Mulla ,in PrestonandLynette Horsburgh ,North WestPA Media/Lancashire Police handoutThe vigil for Preston Davey is taking place on what would have been his fourth birthdayThe biological father of murdered Preston Davey has attended a candlelit vigil in memory of his son and told how he was subjected to months of "terror at the hands of a monster". Gary Nolan was speaking as family, friends and well-wishers gathered to pay tribute to Preston on what would have been his fourth birthday. The 13-month-old died in July 2023 at the hands of teacher Jamie Varley, 37, his adoptive father from Blackpool, Lancashire.

Varley's partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was also convicted of sexual assault, child cruelty and allowing the death of a child, with the pair due to be sentenced on Thursday. Speaking as mourners and well-wishers gathered in Preston's Flag Market, Nolan told North West Tonight of his heartbreak and anger at the convicted men. "My son went through four months of terror at the hands of a monster," he said.

The Details

"My son should be alive today on his birthday and not dead. "A piper has played as mourners and well wishers gathered at the candlelight vigil Preston was born in June 2022 and taken into care by Oldham Council. His mother, Sarah Davey, now 42, had been jailed at the age of 14 for the murder of a frail pensioner in 1998 and had been in and out of prison since then.

Preston was placed with foster parents at five days old, remaining with them for the first 10 months of his life. However, in April 2023, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved for adoption and Preston began living at their home in Blackpool. In the just under four months he was in their care, he was routinely ill-treated, sexually abused and physically assaulted, suffering 40 traumatic injuries.

The vigil is taking place at Preston's Flag Market is Police handoutThe 13-month-old was sexually abused and killed by his adoptive fatherThe trial heard Preston had been taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital three times in the months before his death on 27 July 2023. People gathering for the vigil lit candles while a piper played the bagpipes. Organiser Niamh Cardwell-Clarke said the event was about remembering Preston and "the beautiful little boy he was".

What Experts Say

"Just come along, pay a tribute, bring a candle, bring a teddy, blow some bubbles and let's just remember him for the beautiful boy he was and not for the horrific start in life he had. "Listen to the best of Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

More on this storyWere there missed opportunities to save Preston Davey?

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.