A British secondary school teacher, Jamie Varley, has been charged in connection with the death and alleged abuse of a 13-month-old boy he and his partner were attempting to adopt. The child, identified as Preston Davey, died in 2023 after being taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Varley and his boyfriend, John McGowan-Fazakerley, appeared before Preston Crown Court this week, where it was confirmed that the trial will begin on April 14, 2026.

According to Lancashire Police, Varley has been charged with murder, two counts of assault by penetration involving a child under the age of 13, five counts of child cruelty, as well as possession and distribution of indecent images, including an extreme pornographic image involving the child. All charges pertain to the same victim.

McGowan-Fazakerley is facing separate charges, including causing or allowing the child’s death, sexual assault of a child, and two counts of cruelty to a minor.

Judge Robert Altham presided over the short procedural hearing and explained that while the trial delay is unfortunate, it is necessary to ensure that expert witnesses are available. A plea hearing is scheduled for October, with both men remaining in custody until then.

Varley had been employed by a school managed by the Cidari Multi Academy Trust, which confirmed he has been suspended since 2023. In a statement to the local media, the trust clarified that Varley has not returned to the school or had any contact with staff or students since his suspension.

“We are legally required to suspend an employee on full pay in such cases,” a representative of the trust stated, adding that the organization is currently reviewing its position regarding his future employment.

The case has shocked the local community and raised serious concerns over adoption procedures and safeguarding failures.