A court has been informed that a high school teacher facing allegations of killing a 13-month-old baby boy he was in the process of adopting harbored negative thoughts towards the child. The baby, named Preston Davey, had been placed in the care of Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, at their residence in Blackpool in April 2023 when he was in good health. However, less than four months later in July, Preston was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he succumbed to an acute blockage of his upper airway, believed to have been caused by smothering or the insertion of an object into his mouth.
During the court proceedings at Preston Crown Court, it was revealed that the child had endured mistreatment, sexual abuse, and physical violence, resulting in 40 traumatic injuries. Varley, 37, denies the murder charge and 25 other allegations related to mistreatment of the baby, while McGowan-Fazakerley pleaded not guilty to charges including allowing the child’s death.
In early July 2023, Varley exhibited signs of distress at a colleague’s house, expressing concerns about Preston’s sleeping patterns and lack of bonding. He confided in his friend about having harmful thoughts towards the child, such as drowning or suffocating him, although he claimed he would not act on these thoughts. Varley had also disclosed these thoughts to his employers and social workers involved in the adoption process.
Further details emerged about Preston’s health history, including multiple hospital admissions for various issues. On one occasion, marks on his body were noted, with Varley attributing them to the baby bruising easily. Subsequently, on July 27, 2023, Preston’s condition deteriorated rapidly after Varley filmed a video showing signs of respiratory distress. Despite this, Varley did not seek immediate medical assistance, which raised suspicions of neglect.
The court heard conflicting accounts from Varley regarding the events leading to Preston’s collapse and subsequent death. The pathologist’s findings indicated non-accidental injuries both externally and internally, suggesting deliberate harm shortly before the child’s demise. The trial is ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding Preston’s tragic fate.
