{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreiashvjc4b4p3ud6rwdaf6fizxjm3dw6dnvhacbwxfxgauyxi4uj7q",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:oznbnvgr7dmvddiyvr7dih52/app.bsky.feed.post/3molcnqkxhrd2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreiheirwtfrenhnncm4iocehguev4mg7b4vakwrsphjn3mb6jw7mv4m"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 15342
  },
  "path": "/opinion/preston-davey-abuse-murder-death-penalty-return-britain-michelle-dewberry",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-18T16:20:47.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Membership",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nHeartbroken.\n\nThat is the only word to describe how I currently feel. I imagine it's a feeling echoed by millions of you too.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAs I write, the trial into the horrific death of the beautiful baby boy; Preston Davey, has just concluded.\n\nHis two adoptive 'Dads' have both just been sentenced. One to a whole life order, meaning he will die in prison and the other to 25 years.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nUpon hearing those sentences, I wept.\n\nI have followed this case intensely. Often reading things I will never, ever forget. Each time I felt it could surely be no more devastating, other tragic details emerged. I have had many sleepless nights as a result and I know many of you will have too.\n\nPreston was a baby born into difficult circumstances. His birth mum was a convicted killer and so he was almost immediately removed from her care. At first, Preston was blessed to be placed within the loving embrace of a kind foster family. A family who loved him and cared for him, like their own.\n\nVery quickly though, a fateful decision was made to hand Preston's permanent care over to two men. Men for whom it seemed a child was a mere 'accessory'. A designer addition to their 'insta-perfect lives'. An object to meet their perversions.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nWithin days of this placement, sadistic abuse began. The baby was used and abused in the most horrific ways possible and regarded as a mere sexual 'plaything'. It was a pattern of behaviour which saw Preston sustain multiple injuries and have multiple trips to the hospital. The abuse ceased only as a result of baby Preston's tragic death. I honestly dread to think what further harm that little boy would have been subjected to, had he lived.\n\nThe case raises so many questions; Why were these two men chosen to be parents of this child? Was this exclusively in the best interests of Preston, or was there something else at play? Why were repeated chances to save Preston missed?\n\nIn one bizarre episode, a senior social worker assigned to the case, actually wrote a letter to Preston saying the fact he'd had a few hospital admissions, had made her 'ponder whether there was a problem'. She goes on to say she decided there wasn't, because the baby and the 'Dads' seemed 'affectionate towards each other'. I mean, what does one even say to that?\n\nInvestigations MUST now happen. Accountability and consequence must now follow. If I personally hear of another child murdered and that toothless phrase 'lessons will be learnt' - while precisely nothing changes - I will scream.\n\nDespite all of this darkness, I must spend a moment reflecting on the light. Mr and Mrs Cooper, the foster parents of Preston, are an example of such light. In their 27-year fostering career, they have cared for 43 children. Preston was due to be their last before retirement, but his tragic death made them reconsider and they have once again opened up their home, to help give other children the love they deserve.\n\nVarley and McGowan-Fazakerley represent the worst of humanity. They are an example of why I believe it's time to return the death penalty to this country. Varley said: \"I'm going to Hell\". Yes, Jamie, yes you are and that day can not come soon enough. But I pray that in the meantime, every one of your remaining days, is Hell on earth. I will think of you and your depravity, not one second longer.\n\nBut as much as there is darkness, I want to end on the light. To the Coopers and others like them, I say THANK YOU.\n\nThank you for all that you do to care for the most vulnerable in society. You are simply the best of us.\n\nAnd to beautiful, sweet baby Preston...I'm so sorry this happened to you. You would have been four this week. You deserved to have become a happy, cheeky little boy who was loving life, with the world at his feet. I hope you rest well in Heaven, where nobody can ever hurt you again and I hope my big Sister, who lives there too, gives you a massive big hug from me.\n\nPreston Davey, we won't let your name be in vain.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Preston Davey's murderers are the worst of humanity. The death penalty must return to Britain"
}