A court has heard that a former teacher, Jamie Varley, and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, adopted 13-month-old Preston Davey in April 2023. Tragically, the child allegedly suffered mistreatment, indecent image and video recordings, sexual abuse, and physical assault at the couple’s residence in Blackpool, resulting in 40 severe injuries. Preston passed away on July 27, 2023, after reportedly experiencing a collapse and cardiac arrest following an alleged assault by Varley. Varley denies the murder charge, while his partner denies charges related to the child’s death and other offenses.
Varley, who took a break from his role as a high school year head to adopt a child, expressed struggles with the baby’s sleep patterns shortly after Preston joined their family in early April 2023. Messages revealed Varley’s frustrations with the lack of sleep due to the baby’s frequent awakenings during the night.
Prior to being adopted by Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley, Preston had been in the care of foster parent Sandra Cooper, who described him as a happy and healthy baby. However, after being handed over to the defendants, Preston was hospitalized multiple times, including for a fractured left elbow.
Tragically, on July 27, 2023, Preston was brought to the hospital by Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley in an unconscious state and cardiac arrest. Medical examination revealed multiple non-accidental injuries, with the cause of death determined to be acute upper airways obstruction, possibly due to smothering or foreign objects inserted into his mouth.
Varley faces charges including murder, assault, cruelty to a child, and various sexual offenses, while McGowan-Fazakerley is accused of neglecting the child’s welfare and other offenses. The trial has been adjourned until the following day.