Blackpool Council release statement on involvement in Preston Davey case

Blackpool Council has released a statement clarifying its involvement with the tragic Preston Davey case.

Little Preston became the subject of a national tragedy after he was physically abused, sexually assaulted, and then murdered by his prospective adoptive father, Jamie Varley, in July 2023.

Varley, 38,  was handed a whole life term last week after a lengthy trial. He was found guilty of murder and a raft of child sex offences, while partner John McGowan Fazakerley was given a 25 year term for allowing the death of a child,  child cruelty and one count of the sexual assault of a child. The pair were living in Goosnargh at the time of their arrest.

Blackpool Council says that while its thoughts continue to be with Preston’s devastated family, it is also keen to clarify its involvement with the case which, although linked to Blackpool, did not directly involve the council.

The authority says that Preston was not known to Blackpool Council during his short life, as the care and adoption proceedings of his case were undertaken by Oldham Children’s Services.

Additionally, the council says the couple who adopted him and went on to cause his death, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley, lived within the Lancashire County Council area.

Varley was connected to the resort in that he was previously a  design and technology teacher at South Shore Academy in Blackpool, and that little Preston was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where he tragically died.

The statement was read out by Blackpool Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Neal Brookes, at the authoirty’s Full Council meeting last night.

Cllr Brookes, who is also Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “As you are aware the trial has concluded following the extremely sad death of Preston Davey. Our thoughts continue to be with his family.

“The link between Preston Davy and Blackpool was that one of his adopters was a teacher in a Blackpool school, and that the adopters brought Preston for treatment to Blackpool Victoria Teaching Hospital.

“Our involvement as Blackpool Council has been limited to our responsibilities through the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

“The LADO manages and oversees allegation against adults who work with children, ensuring child safety while providing guidance to employers and agencies..

“The LADO does not conduct investigations directly but oversees investigations carried out by employers or relevant agencies, ensuring they are timely, fair and thorough.

“To do this they work to coordinate agencies such as the police, children’s social care, employers and regulatory bodies to ensure a consistent and thorough response.

“Blackpool LADO is currently working alongside partner agencies to identify whether further investigations are needed in respect of the actions of any other individuals in regards to Preston.

“Given the nature of these inquiries, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”