Adoptive father Jamie Varley charged with murder in Blackpool baby Preston Davey death

A Blackpool court heard that 13‑month‑old Preston Davey died after months of alleged sexual and physical abuse by his adoptive father, 37‑year‑old teacher Jamie Varley, and his partner, 32‑year‑old John McGowan‑Fazakerley. Both men deny wrongdoing and have pleaded not guilty to numerous charges, including murder, child cruelty, sexual assault and the possession of indecent images of the child.

Prosecutors said the post‑mortem showed over 40 internal and external injuries and ruled the cause of death as acute upper‑airway obstruction, not drowning, despite Varley's claim that the baby was left alone in a bath. In closing remarks, the prosecutor described Preston’s death as a “tragedy waiting to happen,” adding that the abuse was foreseeable and that the defendants ignored the risk.

The trial continues at Preston Crown Court.