A man has been charged with murder and serious sexual and child cruelty offences following the death of a 13-month-old boy.
Jamie Varley, 36, from Lancashire, is accused of murdering Preston Davey following his death in Blackpool on July 27, 2023.
The one-year-old was brought unresponsive into Blackpool Victoria Hospital at around 7.15pm that evening but tragically died shortly after.
Varley, who was remanded in custody, is due to appear at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court today, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.
John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, will also appear charged with causing and allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty and sexual assault.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Suzanne Llewellyn said: ‘The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the prosecution of two men in relation to the death of a 13-month-old boy in Blackpool.
‘Jamie Varley, 36, of Grimsargh in Lancashire, has been charged with the murder of baby Preston Davey, in addition to a series of serious sexual and child cruelty offences.
‘John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, of Grimsargh in Lancashire, has been charged with allowing the death of a child, in addition to child cruelty and sexual offences.
Preston Davey, aged one, (pictured) died in a hospital in Blackpool on July 27 last year
Jamie Varley, 36, from Lancashire, is accused of murdering Preston Davey following his death in Blackpool on July 27, 2023. Pictured: Blackpool Victoria Hospital
‘The Crown Prosecution Service has worked closely with Lancashire Police following a detailed police investigation, to review the available evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.
‘We recognise the profoundly distressing nature of the alleged crimes – however we remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are now active, and they have a right to a fair trial.
‘It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.’
