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Trial Set for April 2026 in Case of Baby’s Death and Abuse by Prospective Adopters

Defendants are due to appear for a plea hearing in October

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Overview

  • On June 16 at Preston Crown Court, Judge Robert Altham set an eight-week trial starting April 14, 2026, and remanded both Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley in custody.
  • Varley, 36, faces charges including murder, manslaughter, assault by penetration, multiple counts of child cruelty and offences related to indecent images of a 13-month-old boy.
  • McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, is charged with allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty and one count of sexual assault of a child.
  • Preston Davey was pronounced dead at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on July 27, 2023, after being rushed there in an unresponsive state.
  • Victim’s family members sat in the public gallery and were visibly distressed during Monday’s hearing.