The partner of a man accused of killing and sexually abusing their adopted baby son testified in court that he had misplaced his trust in him.
John McGowan-Fazakerley, aged 32, is charged with being involved in the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey, along with child cruelty and a sexual offense. His partner, Jamie Varley, aged 37, who is a high school teacher, is also facing murder charges, along with multiple counts of cruelty and child sexual abuse. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all accusations at Preston Crown Court.
Preston, described as a cheerful baby, was adopted by the couple in April 2023. Allegations suggest that during the four months Preston lived with them in their Blackpool residence before being hospitalized on July 27, he was subjected to mistreatment, inappropriate media recording, sexual abuse, and physical violence.
McGowan-Fazakerley informed the jury that he had no suspicions about Varley harming Preston and believed Varley’s explanation that the baby drowned after being left alone in the bath. He maintained that he viewed the death as accidental, as they continued living together until their rearrest and subsequent charging in 2025. While in custody, he indicated that he started to piece together the events leading up to Preston’s demise.
Under questioning from his barrister Anne Whyte KC, McGowan-Fazakerley admitted that his trust in Varley was misplaced, recognizing the severity of the situation. Varley, on the other hand, denies concocting the “bath incident” after an autopsy revealed Preston had sustained 40 severe injuries and ruled out drowning as the cause of death.
McGowan-Fazakerley disclosed that Varley failed to inform him about a video taken of Preston on July 27, which came to light during a police interview. He expressed confusion and distrust over Varley’s actions, emphasizing his relentless efforts to understand the tragic events of that day.
Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley are facing a range of charges, with Varley denying murder, assault, child cruelty, and indecent media-related offenses. McGowan-Fazakerley denies his involvement in allowing the child’s death, child cruelty, and sexual assault charges.
The court was informed that Varley is no longer in a relationship with McGowan-Fazakerley.
