In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that two men—Jamie Varley (37) and John McGowan-Fazackerly (32)—appeared at Preston Crown Court to face trial in connection with the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey. The investigation established that the baby, who the couple was in the process of adopting, died after being admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on 27 July 2023. The prosecution reported that forensic examinations revealed injuries sustained by the infant were consistent with extreme sexual abuse and serial child abuse.
The investigation established that Jamie Varley, a former teacher, faces a comprehensive list of charges, including murder, sexual assault of a child under 13, and assault by penetration. The prosecution reported that Varley is also charged with 15 counts related to the creation and distribution of indecent still images and videos, all of which allegedly involve baby Preston. McGowan-Fazackerly is accused of causing or allowing the death of a child, alongside charges of child cruelty and sexual assault.
JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS AND ALLEGATIONS
The court reported that both defendants, of Chandlers Way, Grimsargh, Preston, deny all allegations against them. The investigation established that the probe into the couple’s conduct began immediately following the infant’s death and involved the seizure of digital devices which allegedly contained the evidence of the strikes. The prosecution reported that Varley’s background as a teacher adds a significant layer of betrayal to the reported position of trust he held during the adoption process.
Judge-led proceedings at Preston Crown Court commenced with an initial hearing on Thursday, 16 April 2026. For the actions reported in Preston and Blackpool and the nature of the serial child abuse alleged, the trial is expected to last six weeks. The judge will oversee the presentation of forensic and digital evidence to determine the culpability of both men in what has been described as a catastrophic violation of human decency against a defenceless infant.
STATUS AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Based on the judicial proceedings as of April 2026:
- Legal Status: AWAITING TRIAL (Murder; Sexual assault of a child under 13; Causing or allowing the death of a child; Indecent images).
- Custodial Status: REMANDED (In 2026, held in custody pending the outcome of the six-week trial).
- Sex Offenders Register: Requirements will be determined upon the conclusion of the trial.
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barred List (Automatic and permanent ban from any role involving children or regulated activity, including Varley’s former profession in education).
- Judicial Oversight: Presided over at Preston Crown Court; investigated by Lancashire Constabulary and Blackpool Police.
- Criminal Allegations: Murder of a 13-month-old baby during the adoption process; Sustained injuries consistent with rape and sexual assault; Creation and distribution of abuse videos featuring the infant; Denial of all charges.
- Origin: Chandlers Way, Grimsargh, Preston, Lancashire.
MONITORING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
Both men are currently managed as high-risk defendants under the statutory requirements of the prison service and the courts. Due to the nature of the behaviour alleged—specifically the “serial” sexual violation and ultimate death of a child they were meant to protect—they are a priority for high-security remand. Authorities reported that the 2026 trial will scrutinise how two individuals undergoing an adoption vetting process were able to facilitate such extreme strikes against an infant under their care.
The investigation established that the allegations against Varley and McGowan-Fazackerly identify a total abandonment of the principles of human decency and the responsibilities of parenthood. Any future monitoring requirements in Preston, Blackpool, or elsewhere will be dictated by the jury’s verdict. The case remains a focal point for safeguarding reviews within the adoption system, highlighting the necessity of protecting the human rights of the most vulnerable members of society from those who seek to abuse positions of absolute trust.
QUESTION – Given that one of the defendants was a “Former Teacher” and they were in the middle of an “Adoption Process,” do you believe the law should legally mandate that the social media and private messaging history of all prospective adopters be subjected to a mandatory police forensic audit before a child is placed in their home?
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