UK court examines abuse in death of infant Preston Davey

A criminal trial is underway in Blackpool, England over the death of 13‑month‑old Preston Davey. The defendants, teacher Jamie Varley (aged 37‑38) and his partner John McGowan‑Fazakerley (32), deny charges that include murder, manslaughter, child cruelty and sexual assault.

The prosecution alleges that Varley sexually abused the baby, that the child was left alone in a bath for 14 minutes on 24 July 2023, and that both men continued a pattern of physical and psychological abuse. Preston was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on 27 July 2023 in cardiac and respiratory arrest; a post‑mortem found no drowning but more than 40 injuries consistent with abuse. Closing arguments by counsel Peter Wright KC described the case as “a tragedy waiting to happen” and emphasized the foreseeability of the risk. The jury is hearing the evidence as the trial proceeds.