Blackpool teacher Jamie Varley charged with murder of adopted baby Preston Davey

Preston Davey, a 13‑month‑old boy, died on July 27, 2023 after being taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac arrest. A Home Office pathologist testified that the cause of death was acute upper airway obstruction, most likely from smothering or an object forced into his mouth. The post‑mortem revealed more than 40 internal and external injuries, including a round bruise on the child's buttock identified as a likely human bite mark weeks before his death.

Former textiles teacher Jamie Varley, 37, and his partner John McGowan‑Fazackerley, 32, are charged with murder, sexual assault of a child under 13, grievous bodily harm, multiple counts of child cruelty and creating, taking and distributing indecent images. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty. In a recorded police interview played in court, Varley said he would “fight till the day I die” and dismissed the pathologist’s conclusions as “bulls**t”. Evidence presented included photographs and videos from Varley's phone showing the child in a bathtub for extended periods and images of the boy’s genitals.

The case has attracted extensive media attention, highlighting severe child abuse, alleged sexual exploitation, and the prosecution of a prospective adoptive parent.