WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT Baby Preston endured a four-month period of systematic physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, the prosecution alleged in a shocking case
A teacher on trial for the murder of a baby boy he intended to adopt allegedly confessed to a colleague about having ‘dark thoughts’ of harming the infant, the court has heard.
Jamie Varley, 37, is accused of the murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey, along with 25 other charges relating to his sexual and physical mistreatment. His partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is accused of causing or allowing the death of the child and four other offences including sexual assault and cruelty.
Both men deny all charges, said to have been committed between March and 27 July 2023. He was the sole carer for the baby when he sustained the severe injuries that resulted in his death, a jury at Preston Crown Court was told.
The prosecution began its case by alleging that baby Preston endured a four-month period of systematic physical, psychological, and sexual abuse after he was placed with the couple for adoption, reports the Manchester Evening News.
As per the prosecutor, Peter Wright KC, the abuse reached a climax on July 27, 2023, when the couple rushed an unresponsive Preston to the A&E department of Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, the baby was declared dead that evening.
A post-mortem examination carried out by Home Office pathologist Dr Alison Armour revealed a “catalogue of injuries”, amounting to roughly 40 internal and external wounds, the court was told. These comprised a broken arm, a punctured bowel, and trauma consistent with a severe sexual assault.
While Mr Varley initially told medical staff that the child had drowned after being left unsupervised in a bath seat, Dr Armour stated that there was no medical evidence of drowning or any natural cause of death. Rather, the cause of death was established to be acute upper airway obstruction.
Jurors were also informed about a discussion between Mr Varley and a former colleague in the weeks preceding the infant’s death. The colleague reported that Mr Varley seemed “on edge” and confessed to finding the adoption process challenging, the prosecution informed the court.
Mr Varley admitted to experiencing “dark thoughts” about harming the child, the trial was told, specifically referencing urges to drown or suffocate the boy, though he insisted at the time he would never act upon them.
The prosecution contended it is unthinkable that these thoughts were not disclosed to Mr McGowan-Fazackerley, who stands accused of failing to safeguard the child despite the mounting peril.
Additional evidence retrieved from the defendants’ mobile phones allegedly showed acts of cruelty, such as the child being spun “violently” in a play area and being deliberately kept awake through the use of loud music, the court was told. Prosecutors also highlighted messages and photographs that they argue show Mr Varley’s sexual interest in the infant.
The Crown contends that while Mr Varley was the main instigator of the physical violence, Mr McGowan-Fazackerley was complicit in the abuse – pointing out that his DNA was found on the bars of the baby’s cot.
Mr Varley faces charges of murder; sexual assault; GBH; child cruelty; creating indecent images; and distributing an indecent image.
Mr McGowan-Fazackerley is charged with causing and allowing the death of a child; two counts of cruelty to a person under 16; and sexual assault of a male child under 13.
Both defendants, from Chandlers Way, Grimsargh, deny the allegations.
If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact Victim Support for free, confidential advice on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website, http://www.victimsupport.org.uk.