Two men from Lancashire, UK, have been charged in connection with the death and alleged abuse of a 13-month-old boy who had been placed in their care for adoption. The case involves multiple accusations of child cruelty, sexual assault, and indecent image offenses.

Jamie Varley, 36, and John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, both of Grimsargh, appeared in court following an investigation that began after officers were called to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the evening of July 27, 2023, says Sky News. The child, identified as Preston Davey, had been brought in unresponsive and was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

Varley, believed to be a secondary school teacher, faces a range of charges including murder, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, inflicting grievous bodily harm, and five counts of cruelty to a person under 16. He is also accused of 10 counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, distributing indecent images, and possessing extreme pornographic material, the Crown says.

“The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the prosecution of two men in relation to the death of a 13-month-old boy in Blackpool,” the CPS said in a statement. “Jamie Varley, 36, of Grimsargh in Lancashire, has been charged with the murder of baby Preston Davey, in addition to a series of serious and child cruelty offences.”

The charges span a period from March to July 2023, according to police.

Varley was remanded in custody after a brief appearance at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he only confirmed his identity. He is expected to appear at Preston Crown Court on Monday.

Following Varley’s hearing, McGowan-Fazakerley was also brought before the court. He is charged with allowing the death of a child, two counts of cruelty to a person under 16, and one count of sexual assault of a child under 13. He was also remanded in custody.

“John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, of Grimsargh in Lancashire, has been charged with allowing the death of a child, in addition to child cruelty and offences,” the CPS added.

The CPS said it worked closely with Lancashire Police throughout the investigation and reviewed the available evidence before proceeding with 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,” the CPS statement continued. “It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Both men had previously lived in Blackpool before relocating to Chandlers Way in Grimsargh. They are scheduled to appear at Preston Crown Court for a further hearing on Monday, June 16.