Preston Davey death case: trial reveals 40 injuries and signs of sexual abuse

A UK Crown Court trial is examining the death of 13‑month‑old Preston Davey, who died on 27 July 2023 after being taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac arrest. Adoptive father Jamie Varley, 37, and his partner John McGowan‑Fazackerley, 32, are charged with murder, causing or allowing death, child cruelty and sexual assault. A paediatrician testified that Preston had around 40 injuries, including bruises, internal bruising of the throat and pelvic organs, a fractured arm and a human‑bite mark, many of which were consistent with sexual abuse. Pathology reports indicated the cause of death was acute upper‑airway obstruction, possibly smothering. Video and photographic evidence from the defendants' phones showed the baby in distress on several occasions, including a video of him left alone in a bath. Both defendants have entered not‑guilty pleas, and the trial is ongoing.