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Former Teacher and Partner Plead Not Guilty in Death of 13-Month-Old They Sought to Adopt

Both men are remanded pending a January 30, 2026 pre-trial hearing before an April 2026 trial.

Overview

  • Jamie Varley, 36, pleaded not guilty to 33 charges at Preston Crown Court, including murder and manslaughter of 13-month-old Preston Davey.
  • The case against Varley includes assault by penetration, child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, indecent images of a child, and possession of extreme pornography alleged between 2017 and July 2023.
  • Co-accused John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, denied one count of sexual assault, two counts of cruelty, and allowing the death of a child.
  • Judge Robert Altham remanded both defendants after video-link appearances and listed a pre-trial hearing for January 30, 2026 with a trial scheduled for April 2026.
  • Police say the child was brought unresponsive to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on July 27, 2023 and died shortly after, with no public details released on how he died.