Preston Davey trial hearing reveals alleged abuse and death

A 13-month-old boy died from abuse at the hands of his adoptive father in what a prosecutor described as a tragedy waiting to happen, a jury at Preston Crown Court has heard. The prosecution concluded its case on Monday, June 8, 2026, with a closing speech alleging that the infant, Preston Davey, suffered months of escalating physical and sexual abuse before his death.

Jamie Varley, 37, a secondary school teacher, is charged with murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, grievous bodily harm, child cruelty, and making and distributing indecent images. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is charged with causing or allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault. Both men deny all charges.

Prosecutor Peter Wright KC told the court that Preston was placed with the couple for adoption in April 2023. Wright said the placement was supposed to be the start of a new life, but less than four months later, on July 27, 2023, Preston was dead. The child was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac and respiratory arrest that evening after collapsing at the couple's home in Blackpool while in Varley's sole care.

Varley told medical staff he had left Preston alone in...