Two men accused of killing a 13-month-old boy they were in the process of adopting have entered not guilty pleas to dozens of charges, including murder and serious sexual offences.
Former secondary school teacher Jamie Varley, 36, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, appeared at Preston Crown Court on Monday where they denied all allegations relating to baby Preston Davey’s death in July 2023.
The toddler’s birth mother broke down in tears as she watched proceedings from the public gallery, sitting just yards from the two defendants in the dock. Judge Robert Altham acknowledged Preston’s relatives at the start of the hearing, telling them they were most welcome in court.
Emergency Services Called to Hospital
Lancashire Police launched their investigation after receiving an emergency call at 7:15pm on 27 July 2023. Officers rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where medical staff had been desperately trying to save the unresponsive infant.
Despite the efforts of doctors and nurses, Preston was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The circumstances surrounding how the baby became unresponsive have not been disclosed by authorities, who immediately treated the death as suspicious.
Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley, who lived together in Grimsargh near Preston, had been going through the adoption process for the youngster when the tragedy unfolded.
Teacher Faces 33 Criminal Charges
The prosecution alleges a catalogue of abuse spanning five months. Varley entered not guilty pleas to 33 separate charges on Monday, covering allegations that prosecutors claim occurred between March and July 2023.
These include murder and manslaughter charges, along with two counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13. He also denied five counts of child cruelty and one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Additionally, Varley pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, two counts of making indecent images, and one count of distributing such material. Seven further charges relate to possession of extreme pornography dating back to 2017.
Partner Charged With Allowing Death
McGowan-Fazakerley faces four charges in total. He denied allowing the death of a child, two counts of cruelty, and one count of sexual assault. Both men are jointly accused of sexually assaulting Preston.
The pair were arrested shortly after the baby’s death but were initially released on bail whilst Lancashire Police conducted what Chief Crown Prosecutor Suzanne Llewellyn described as a detailed investigation.
They were later re-arrested and charged following extensive consultation between police and the Crown Prosecution Service. Prosecutors spent months reviewing evidence before authorising the charges in June 2025.
School Suspends Teacher on Full Pay
Varley had been working as a teacher at South Shore Academy in Blackpool when police arrested him in July 2023. The Cidari Multi-Academy Trust, which operates the school, immediately suspended him.
The trust confirmed Varley has been receiving his full salary throughout the suspension, as they are legally required to maintain pay pending the outcome of criminal proceedings. A spokesperson said the organisation is considering its position in relation to Varley’s employment.
South Shore Academy serves hundreds of pupils in the Blackpool area. Parents were informed of the teacher’s suspension, though the school declined to comment on the specifics of the allegations.
Family’s Anguish in Courtroom
Monday’s hearing at Preston Crown Court lasted approximately 30 minutes and dealt primarily with administrative matters that cannot yet be reported due to legal restrictions.
Judge Altham welcomed Preston’s family members who had travelled to see the accused face charges. One woman could be seen weeping throughout the proceedings as she looked across at the defendants.
Both Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley spoke only to confirm their names and enter their pleas. They showed no visible emotion during the brief appearance.
Eight-Week Trial Scheduled
Judge Robert Altham, the Honorary Recorder of Preston, set a trial date of 14 April 2026. The case is expected to last up to eight weeks given the volume and seriousness of the charges.
Both defendants have been remanded in custody and will next appear at Preston Crown Court on 30 January 2026 for further case management hearings.
The judge made clear that reporting restrictions remain in place to ensure both men receive a fair trial. He stressed the importance of avoiding any commentary that could prejudice the proceedings.
CPS Issues Prejudice Warning
When charges were first authorised in June, the Crown Prosecution Service issued a stern warning about the case. Chief Crown Prosecutor Llewellyn acknowledged the profoundly distressing nature of the alleged crimes.
However, she emphasised that the defendants have a right to a fair trial under British law. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings, she stated.
The warning came amid widespread public anger over the allegations, with social media users sharing details about the case that could potentially influence jurors.
Adoption System Under Scrutiny
The case has raised uncomfortable questions about safeguarding within the adoption system. Sally Beaumount, Interim Head of Regional Adoption Agency at Coram Ambitious for Adoption, described the incident as tragic and harrowing.
Speaking shortly after charges were announced, she said Preston Davey’s short life would have been marked by unimaginable suffering. She expressed sympathy for Preston’s birth family and all those affected by the allegations.
Adoption agencies conduct extensive vetting of prospective parents, including background checks, home visits and psychological assessments. The process typically takes months or even years to complete.
It remains unclear how far through the adoption process Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley had progressed when Preston died. Authorities have not commented on whether the toddler was living with the couple full-time or still in transitional care.
Police Investigation Continues
Lancashire Police have declined to release further details about the investigation whilst criminal proceedings are active. Officers spent nearly two years building the case before charges could be authorised.
The force worked closely with specialist child protection officers, forensic experts and Crown Prosecution Service lawyers throughout the lengthy inquiry.
Detective teams conducted extensive interviews, examined digital devices and consulted medical experts to establish what happened to Preston during those final months of his life.
The April 2026 trial will be one of the most significant criminal cases to be heard at Preston Crown Court in recent years. If convicted of murder, both men would face mandatory life sentences.
Preston’s birth family now face an agonising wait of more than a year before the trial begins. They have requested privacy as they continue to grieve for the toddler whose life was cut tragically short.
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