Jury Deliberates in High-Profile Blackpool Baby Death Trial as Two Men Face Murder and Abuse Charges

After seven weeks of intense testimony, the fate of two men accused in the death of baby Preston Davey now rests with a jury at Preston Crown Court.

The case has drawn widespread attention across the UK due to the serious nature of the allegations and questions it raises about child safeguarding and the adoption process.

The Charges

Jamie Varley, 37, a former teacher, faces charges including murder, sexual assault, child cruelty, and making indecent images. His former partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is charged with causing or allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault.

Both men were in the process of formally adopting the baby, known as Preston Davey (also referred to as Elijah in their care), when he died on July 27, 2023, at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. They have both pleaded not guilty and denied all allegations throughout the trial.

What the Prosecution Alleges

Prosecutors allege that the baby was subjected to prolonged physical and sexual abuse over several months while in the couple’s care. Medical evidence presented to the jury reportedly showed more than 40 injuries, including bruises, internal injuries, and other signs said to be consistent with abuse.

The prosecution claims the men delayed seeking medical help and that the baby was left “at the mercy” of his carers in what they described as a preventable tragedy. They argue the evidence shows a pattern of cruelty and neglect that ultimately led to the child’s death.

The Defence Position

Both defendants took the stand during the trial. Varley told the court he felt “ashamed” about some images found on his phone but denied any sexual or physical abuse of the child. He described finding the baby in the bath and maintained that Preston had a “brilliant life” and was not harmed by him.

McGowan-Fazakerley said he trusted his partner completely and never witnessed any harm being done to the baby. The defence has argued that there are gaps in the evidence and urged the jury not to convict based on emotion, insisting that the prosecution has not proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Jury Must Reach Unanimous Verdict

In an unusual move, the judge has directed the jury that they must reach a unanimous verdict — meaning all 12 jurors must agree. This removes the possibility of a majority verdict (such as 10-2), which is often allowed in English courts after a certain period. Legal observers say this instruction is sometimes given in particularly complex or sensitive cases and could mean deliberations take longer.

Public Reaction and Broader Questions

The case has sparked strong emotions online and in the wider community. Many have expressed grief for the baby and anger over how he could have suffered while supposedly under the protection of the adoption system. Others have raised questions about the adoption process itself, including background checks and ongoing monitoring of prospective adoptive parents.

Photos of Preston smiling have circulated widely, with many using the hashtag #JusticeForPreston to call for accountability.

For Preston’s biological family and those who knew him, the trial has been an extremely painful process. Whatever the verdict, it will not bring the child back, but many hope it will provide some form of closure and lead to discussions about how to better protect vulnerable children.

What Happens Next

The jury is currently deliberating. Because a unanimous decision is required, the process could take considerable time. If the jury cannot reach agreement, it may result in a hung jury and potentially a retrial.

In the meantime, the case continues to prompt difficult conversations about child protection, the adoption system, and how signs of abuse can sometimes go undetected even in homes that appear stable from the outside.

As the jury weighs the evidence, attention remains focused on the memory of a young child whose short life ended in circumstances that have shocked and saddened many across the country.