The Trial

The Tragic Life Of Preston Davey: “Frozen Watchfulness”

May 19, 2026·37 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

In this episode Caroline and Liz have the evidence from a doctor who said in some of the videos on Jamie Varley’s phone, Preston Davey was in life threatening situations. Dr Jo Gifford, an expert in child sex abuse, said Preston showed signs of being mistreated and abused, and there was footage of him before he died which showed several “near misses.” We also have the evidence from Preston’s foster mum Sandra Cooper who came into court to refute Jamie Varley’s suggestion that the reason Preston was pictured and filmed naked was because she had advised he should be allowed “free willy time.” She said it was categorically untrue and she would view it as a big safeguarding issue.Help shape the Crime Desk by taking our quick, listener survey. It takes just five minutes, and you could win a £50 Amazon voucher.Terms and conditionsOpen to UK residents aged 18 or over.Enter between 00:01 BST on 23rd April 2026 and 23:59 BST on 23rd May 2026, inclusiveThe Promotion is free to enter by visiting, completing the online survey and providing your contact details (including email address).There will be one (1) winner.The winner will win £50 Amazon VoucherAmazon Vouchers are subject to Amazon’s T&Cs found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Full T&Cs apply, click here to read them.Subscribe via thecrimedesk.comFollow us on TikTok @DailyMailCrimeEmail us thetrial@dailymail.comWhatsApp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’) Presenter: Caroline Cheetham and Liz HullActors: Sarah Gee, Oliver Sykes, Benny FiddimoreEditor: Chelsey RanoreCreative Director: Caroline CheethamProduction Manager: Vittoria Cecchini A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.The Trial series uses actors and some voices generated by AI. Their words are taken as verbatim from the official court transcript.Click here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world.A Daily Mail production.Seriously Popular.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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