Preston Davey trial RECAP as expert tells court baby’s injury was ‘likely a human bite mark’ Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazackerly, 32, face a string of charges following the baby’s death News Rachel Smith Court reporter Updated 15:35, 13 May 2026 The trial of two adoptive dads following the death of baby Preston Davey continues today (Wednesday, May 13). Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazackerly, 32, are charged with a string of offences against 13-month-old Preston, who they were in the process of adopting. Preston, who went by the name of Elijah while in the care of the couple, died after being taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital at 7.15pm on July 27, 2023. The two men are currently on trial at Preston Crown Court charged with a series of offences. Click here to hear the latest from Manchester’s courts in our newsletter Today, the court is expected to hear evidence from Home Office pathologist Dr Alison Armour 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. 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. Preston Davey suffered around 40 injuries while in the care of Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazackerley Preston Davey was in the care of Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerly (Image: Lancashire Police/Lancs Live) Both men, of Grimsargh, Preston, deny all charges brought against them. The trial is scheduled to last for around six weeks. WARNING: Blog may include evidence you find distressing
Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazackerly, 32, face a string of charges following the baby’s death
The trial of two adoptive dads following the death of baby Preston Davey continues today (Wednesday, May 13). Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazackerly, 32, are charged with a string of offences against 13-month-old Preston, who they were in the process of adopting.
Preston, who went by the name of Elijah while in the care of the couple, died after being taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital at 7.15pm on July 27, 2023. The two men are currently on trial at Preston Crown Court charged with a series of offences.
Click here to hear the latest from Manchester’s courts in our newsletter
Today, the court is expected to hear evidence from Home Office pathologist Dr Alison Armour
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.
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.
Both men, of Grimsargh, Preston, deny all charges brought against them.
The trial is scheduled to last for around six weeks.
WARNING: Blog may include evidence you find distressing
