Baby’s Family Weeps in Court as Would-Be Adoptive Couple Accused of His Murder

The family of one-year-old Preston Davey broke down in tears today as two men accused of sexually abusing and killing the little boy stood in the dock at Preston Crown Court. Jamie Varley, a former high school teacher, and John McGowan-Fazakerley face a string of horrific charges linked to the toddler’s death in 2023 while they were in the process of adopting him.

Varley, 36, is accused of murder, sexual assault, and multiple counts of child cruelty, while McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, is charged with allowing the child’s death and further cruelty offences. The pair stood just metres away from Preston’s grieving relatives, one of whom was visibly sobbing as the hearing began.
Judge Robert Altham, the Honorary Recorder of Preston, acknowledged the family’s presence, saying, “I gather there are members of Preston’s family here. They are most welcome”, reported the Mirror.

The full extent of the allegations against Varley is harrowing. Alongside murder and manslaughter, he faces charges of sexually assaulting the toddler, inflicting grievous bodily harm, and multiple counts of taking and distributing indecent images of children. McGowan-Fazakerley is accused of failing to prevent Preston’s death, as well as child cruelty and sexual assault.

All the alleged offences took place between March and July 2023 while the men lived in Grimsargh, near Preston. The investigation began after Preston was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on July 27 last year, unresponsive. Tragically, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Varley, who taught at South Shore Academy in Blackpool, was suspended when he was arrested later that year. The Cidari Multi Academy Trust, which now runs the school, confirmed his suspension.
Judge Altham set a trial date for April 14 next year, expected to last up to eight weeks. Both men were remanded in custody and will next appear in court for a plea hearing on October 13.

As the defendants spoke only to confirm their names, Preston’s loved ones sat in silence, their grief palpable. The case has left a community in shock, with many now waiting for justice for the little boy whose life was cut so cruelly short.

Don’t Miss These:

• Ted Cruz Warns Trump’s Drone Plan Could Derail Major Defense Bill
• New Medical Tests Cast Doubt on Wendy Williams’ Dementia Diagnosis
• How to Personalize Your Custom Suit for Any Occasion
• Kansas Mother Accused of Killing 6-Year-Old Adopted Daughter and Hiding Her Body in Backyard for 4 Years
• Trade or Power? The Supreme Court Tests the Limits of Trump’s Tariff Authority