A court has been informed that a high school teacher is facing allegations of causing the death of a 13-month-old baby he was in the process of adopting, revealing his disturbing feelings towards the child. The baby, named Preston Davey, was initially in good health when placed under the care of Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, at their residence in Blackpool in April of 2023.
Tragically, less than four months later in July of the same year, Preston was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he succumbed to an acute blockage of his airway. Prosecutors stated that this blockage was a result of smothering with a hand or fabric, or the insertion of an object into his mouth.
During the proceedings at Preston Crown Court, it was revealed that the child had suffered various forms of mistreatment, including physical assaults and sexual abuse, leading to 40 traumatic injuries. Varley, 37, refutes charges of murder and 25 other accusations related to the mistreatment of the baby. McGowan-Fazakerley pleaded not guilty to charges of allowing the death of a child and four other offenses.
Testimony indicated that Varley had expressed concerns about the baby’s well-being to a colleague in early July 2023, mentioning difficulties in bonding with the child and harboring harmful thoughts towards him, such as drowning or suffocating, though he claimed he would not act on them. Despite disclosing these thoughts to various parties involved in the adoption process, the colleague did not act on the information until after Preston’s death.
The court also heard about previous instances where Preston had been hospitalized for various health issues, including the fractured elbow, and marks on his body had been noted during medical visits. Varley, at one point, had commented to medical staff about the baby bruising easily, preempting any suspicions of abuse.
Further details emerged indicating Varley’s actions on the day of Preston’s death, including filming a video where the baby seemed to be in respiratory distress, yet Varley did not seek immediate medical help. The prosecution argued that Varley failed to act promptly, showing a lack of concern for the child’s well-being.
As the trial unfolds, the court is considering the evidence presented by pathologists and witnesses to determine the circumstances leading to Preston’s tragic demise.