During a court hearing, it was revealed that a teacher, Jamie Varley, allegedly confessed via text message to his partner, John McGowan-Fazackerley, that he had strangled a 13-month-old baby, Preston Davey, whom they were in the process of adopting. The prosecution claims that Preston suffered 40 injuries and eventually died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in July 2023 while under the care of the accused couple.
Varley, 37, and McGowan-Fazackerley, 32, from Grimsargh, Preston, are currently on trial at Preston Crown Court facing multiple charges related to the alleged abuse and death of the infant. Both individuals have pleaded not guilty to all accusations.
The court was presented with evidence of a text message sent from Varley’s phone to McGowan-Fazackerley on July 10, 2023, stating, “Your son’s in hospital. I strangled him. Jokes, just give me a call when done.”
In earlier testimonies, it was disclosed that Varley expressed difficulties in coping with the baby’s sleep patterns shortly after Preston was brought to their residence in Blackpool. Varley’s messages to his sister and mother indicated his struggles with the infant’s disrupted sleep and behavior.
Varley faces charges including murder, assault, cruelty to a child, and various other offenses related to the abuse and death of Preston. On the other hand, McGowan-Fazackerley is accused of failing to prevent the child’s death and is facing charges of child cruelty and sexual assault. The trial is ongoing and is expected to resume on May 5.
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