Court Hears Horrific Details of Baby's Abuse and Death
A baby boy endured physical and sexual abuse during his tragically short life, culminating in his death at just 13 months old, a court has been told in distressing proceedings. Preston Davey allegedly suffered routine ill-treatment at the hands of Jamie Varley, 37, who was in the process of adopting him alongside his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32.
Varley faces a charge of murdering defenseless Preston, along with 25 additional charges related to sexual and physical mistreatment. McGowan-Fazakerley is accused of causing or allowing the child's death and four other offences. Both men have entered not guilty pleas to all allegations.
Prosecution Details Final Assault and Failure to Act
Prosecutor Peter Wright KC informed Preston Crown Court that on the day Preston died, Varley sexually assaulted the infant, causing severe internal injuries, and then neglected to seek medical assistance, exacerbating the harm. When authorities seized Varley's mobile phone, they discovered footage recorded by him showing Preston lying on a bed, displaying physical signs of respiratory arrest with blue lips.
The prosecution asserted that Varley did nothing to aid the baby, instead continuing to record the distressing scene. Preston was later brought to Blackpool Victoria Hospital's Accident and Emergency Department by the defendants around 6:30 pm on July 27, 2023, unconscious and in cardiac arrest. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead less than an hour later.
A Life Marred by Misfortune and Injury
Preston's life, described as having "more than its share of misfortune," began with placement in emergency foster care after his birth on June 16, 2022. He was a "perfectly healthy boy" before being adopted by the defendants in April 2023. However, in the under four months following his adoption, he was hospitalized with injuries three times prior to his death.
A post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death as acute upper airways obstruction, likely from smothering with a hand or soft fabric, or insertion of an object into his mouth. The investigation uncovered approximately 40 injuries sustained during his time in the defendants' care, including:
- 30 external bruises
- A fracture to his upper left arm
- Internal bruising to his mouth, throat, and other body areas
Mr Wright emphasized that this tragedy was not an accident but a result of sinister actions, alleging Preston was murdered by someone entrusted with his well-being. While Varley is primarily implicated, evidence suggests both men were involved in sexual assault, with McGowan-Fazakerley accused of failing to protect the child despite daily contact and joint care responsibility.
Graphic Evidence and Ongoing Trial
The prosecutor warned jurors to "steel themselves" as images of the abused child were displayed in court. Varley allegedly took numerous images and videos of the abuse, which were characterized not as family mementos but as indecent content. The defendants, who appeared as a happy couple, were described as far from stable in reality.
Varley denies charges including murder, manslaughter, assault by penetration, child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault of a child, and multiple counts related to indecent images. McGowan-Fazakerley denies charges of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault of a child. The trial has been adjourned and is set to continue.
