Charges Laid in 13-Month-Old Preston Davey's Death

Strategic Insights -

Police were called to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on July 27, 2023, following a report that a baby boy had been brought in unresponsive. Sadly, 13-month-old Preston Davey was pronounced deceased shortly after. Today, his alleged killer, Jamie Varley, 36, and co-defendant John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, appeared in Preston Crown Court, where they were charged with various crimes. The charges include murder, sexual assault, cruelty, and possession of indecent images. The trial is expected to take six to eight weeks and is set to begin on April 14.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jamie Varley, 36, has been charged with the murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey and multiple counts of child abuse, including sexual assault and cruelty.
  • John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, has been charged with causing and allowing the death of a child, as well as other counts of child abuse.
  • The two defendants will be remanded in custody until a plea hearing on October 13, 2023.
  • The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks and will begin on April 14.
  • Both defendants were represented by lawyers Richard Vardon and Steven Swift, respectively.
  • The case will involve expert witnesses, and the judge has ensured that all necessary arrangements are in place to proceed.

Statistics:

  • The trial is expected to take six to eight weeks.
  • The defendants will be remanded in custody until October 13, 2023.
  • The case involves multiple counts of child abuse, including:

+ 10 counts of taking indecent images of a child.

+ 2 counts of possessing indecent images of a child.

+ 1 count of distributing an indecent image of a child.

+ 6 counts of murder, child abuse, and related offenses.

Sources:

  • Lancashire Police, July 27, 2023 (reference to police being called to Blackpool Victoria Hospital)
  • Preston Crown Court, October 2023 (charges and trial information)