In 2026, a harrowing trial commenced at Preston Crown Court involving the death of a 13-month-old baby boy, Preston Davey, who had been adopted just months prior. The investigation established that the child, who died in July 2023, had suffered approximately 40 traumatic injuries over a four-month period. The prosecution reported on 20 April 2026 that Jamie Varley, a 37-year-old former high school teacher, is accused of murdering and sexually assaulting the infant, while his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is accused of allowing the death and failing to protect the child.
The investigation established that Preston was a “perfectly healthy boy” when he was placed with the couple on Staining Road, Blackpool, in April 2023. However, the prosecution reported that within four months, the child was admitted to hospital three times with suspicious injuries. On 27 July 2023, Preston was brought to A&E in cardiac arrest and died shortly after. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death was acute upper airways obstruction caused by smothering, identifying a “sinister pathology” rather than an accidental death.
ALLEGATIONS OF PROLONGED ABUSE AND INDECENT IMAGES
The court reported that the infant was subjected to routine ill-treatment and serial sexual assaults. The investigation established that on the day of the child’s death, Varley allegedly sexually assaulted Preston while McGowan-Fazakerley was at work, causing severe internal injuries. The prosecution reported that detectives recovered videos from Varley’s phone showing the baby in respiratory distress, yet no medical help was sought. Furthermore, Varley is accused of taking 13 indecent photos or videos of the abuse.
Judge-led proceedings at Preston Crown Court are ongoing as of April 2026. For the nature of the serial child sexual abuse and murder investigation reported, Jamie Varley faces 26 charges, including murder and assault by penetration. The investigation established that while the defendants appeared to be a “happy, stable couple” to the outside world, the prosecution argues this was a facade hiding a environment of extreme cruelty. Both men deny all charges.
STATUS AND JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (APRIL 2026)
Based on judicial records as of 20 April 2026:
- Legal Status: ON TRIAL (Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley).
- Charges (Varley): 26 counts, including Murder, Manslaughter, Assault by Penetration (x2), Child Cruelty (x5), GBH, Sexual Assault, and Making/Distributing Indecent Images (x15).
- Charges (McGowan-Fazakerley): 5 counts, including Allowing the Death of a Child, Child Cruelty (x3), and Sexual Assault of a Child.
- Plea Status: Both defendants have issued NOT GUILTY pleas.
- Judicial Oversight: Presided over at Preston Crown Court; investigated by Lancashire Constabulary.
- Criminal Allegations: Smothering a 13-month-old to death; Inflicting 40 injuries including a fractured arm; Serial sexual assault and penetration; Filming the abuse of the infant.
- Origin: Staining Road, Blackpool, Lancashire.
MONITORING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
The defendants are currently subject to the strict conditions of the judicial process during their trial in Lancashire. Due to the nature of the allegations—specifically the serial sexual assault and murder of a baby entrusted to their care—the case is a priority for national safeguarding reviews regarding the adoption process. Authorities reported that the 2026 trial will scrutinize how a “perfectly healthy” child could suffer 40 injuries over four months without earlier intervention.
As the trial proceeds, the details of the alleged offences remain logged within the national judicial database. Authorities state that the behaviour described by the prosecution identifies individuals who allegedly prioritised their own perverted gratification and violence over the life of a defenceless infant. Any verdict reached by the jury will ensure the permanent removal of these individuals from society if found guilty of this serial commitment to child sexual abuse and murder.
QUESTION – Given that the infant was admitted to hospital three times with injuries in the four months leading up to his death, do you believe the law should legally mandate that “Automatic Safeguarding Triggers” must be activated for any adopted child who presents at A&E more than twice in six months?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.