Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley are on trial accused of the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey. The court heard Varley admitted to having thoughts of harming the child, but claimed he would never act on them. A Snapchat video showing Preston struggling to breathe was also presented as evidence.
A teacher and his partner are on trial accused of the death of a 13-month-old boy, Preston Davey , whom they were in the process of adopting.
Jamie Varley, 37, is accused of a serious sexual assault on the child, referred to as ‘Elijah’ by the couple, and then suffocating him by obstructing his airways. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is also implicated in the case. The trial at Preston Crown Court has heard disturbing details about Varley’s mental state leading up to Preston’s death in July 2023.
A former colleague testified that Varley confessed to having ‘dark thoughts’ of drowning or suffocating the baby, but insisted he would never act on them. He revealed these thoughts after a visit with Preston, whose arm was in a cast, and appeared ‘on edge’ when his partner arrived to collect the child. The colleague attempted to reassure Varley, suggesting such thoughts were common in parents and not indicative of intent.
Varley claimed to have disclosed his struggles to both his workplace welfare officer and social workers involved in the adoption process. The prosecution argues that Varley’s confession to a former colleague, rather than his partner, is highly suspicious. They question why he would confide in someone outside the immediate caregiving relationship if his intention was simply to unburden himself.
The court was shown a Snapchat video taken by Varley at 4.45pm on the day of Preston’s death, showing the baby lying on a bed struggling to breathe. A medical expert analyzing the 45-second footage noted signs of cyanosis – a bluish discoloration indicating respiratory failure – and labored breathing. Crucially, Varley remained silent and did not attempt to assist the child during the recording.
Instead, he was observed using his phone to calculate figures and discuss the potential sale of a kayak with his partner. There was no communication between Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley regarding Preston’s condition during this critical period. The prosecution highlighted the proximity of Blackpool Victoria Hospital, less than a mile from their home, and the couple’s prior familiarity with the facility.
The timeline leading up to the tragedy reveals that Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley had arranged to view a house before McGowan-Fazakerley went to work, leaving Preston in the care of Varley’s mother. A photograph taken at 2.25pm shows Preston appearing healthy and happy while being bounced on his grandmother’s knee.
However, upon returning home with Preston later that afternoon, Varley recorded the distressing video that ultimately became central evidence in the case. The prosecution is building a case that Varley’s actions, or lack thereof, demonstrate a callous disregard for Preston’s well-being and point towards intentional harm. The trial continues, with the prosecution expected to present further evidence to support their claims against both Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley.
The details emerging from the courtroom paint a heartbreaking picture of a vulnerable child and the alleged betrayal of trust by those who were meant to care for him. The case has drawn significant attention, raising questions about the adoption process and the safeguarding of children in vulnerable situations
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