One of the defendants is also accused of murdering 13-month-old Preston Davey

08:35, 16 Apr 2026Updated 11:08, 16 Apr 2026

Preston Davey

Preston Davey was 13-months old when he died(Image: Lancashire Police)

Two men are set to stand trial following the death of a baby they were in the process of adopting. Preston Davey, 13 months, died after being taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital at 7.15pm on July 27 2023.

Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazackerly, 32, are due to face trial charged with a series of offences.

Mr Varley is accused of murder; sexual assault of a child under 13; inflicting grievous bodily harm; five counts of child cruelty; and further counts of making, taking and distributing indecent images.

Mr McGowan-Fazackerley is accused of causing or allowing the death of a child; two counts of child cruelty; and sexual assault of a child under 13, reports Lancs Live.

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Both men, of Chandlers Way, Grimsargh, in Preston, Lancashire, deny all charges brought against them.

A trial is set to take place at Preston Crown Court, with an initial hearing scheduled for today (Thursday, April 16). The trial is expected to last around six weeks.