Horror killer Jamie Varley and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley adopted baby Peston Davey in 2023 – he died just four months later. A friend of Varley’s has claimed that the killer wanted a baby rather than a toddler.

Varley, 37, was "determined he wanted a baby" instead of an older child when he adopted little Preston Davey, the friend claims. Baby Preston suffered a campaign of cruel sexual and physical abuse at the hands of Varley. He was given a rare whole life order by a judge after being convicted of his murder last week. McGowan-Fazakerley was jailed for 25 years last week.

The cause of Preston’s death was found to be acute upper airways obstruction by either smothering or an object or objects inserted into his mouth.

A post-mortem examination found 40 external and internal trauma injuries to the child’s body, consistent with “forcible penetration” and sexual abuse and ruled out drowning as a cause of death.

Preston had been rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on July 27 2023, with Varley telling medical staff he had left the child in the bath for two or three minutes and returned to find him submerged.

Mr Wright said: “As Preston lay dying, he needed an explanation and the charade then followed.”

He reminded jurors that the child was noted as having dry hair, was wearing a nappy, the bathtub was empty of water and no water was found in his lungs.

After his trial, a friend claimed Varley "dominated" his relationship with McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, after the pair met in Manchester's Gay Village in 2018.

Another alleged Varley "took charge" when they adopted Preston and was the one to take paternity leave, claiming he told McGowan-Fazakerley he would have to carry on working because Varley "would be a more natural dad."

The female friend told the Sun: "He was determined he wanted a baby and not a toddler or older child. Now you have to ask what his motives were all along.

"There was never any question they wouldn't get a child because they were a poster couple for adoption. Who is going to knock back a finance sales guy and a popular teacher?"

The couple owned a three-bedroom home in Blackpool, with marble floors and chandeliers in the bedrooms, reports Daily Star.

Friends have claimed that Varley had a sinister side to him, despite putting on a front of being "a super-friendly guy who was a popular teacher and totally together".

Another friend told The Sun: "There was always something quite dark about him. He always had to be the centre of attention wherever he went.

“John was a much quieter guy who I think could be a bit embarrassed when they were out and about together."

Neighbours claimed Varley could often be heard shouting in the couple's home but Adoption Now, the agency covering Lancashire, did not pick up on any concerns and Oldham Council gave the final sign off and placed baby Preston with the couple.