Jamie Varley , a 37‑year‑old head of year at a secondary school, and his 32‑year‑old partner John McGowan‑Fazakerley are on trial at Preston Crown Court for the murder of their adopted son, Preston Davey, who died on July 27, 2023, at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Prosecutor Peter Wright KC told jurors the infant’s death was a “tragedy waiting to happen” and alleged a pattern of sexual abuse, severe bruising and ultimately fatal airway obstruction.

July 27, 2023: Preston Davey's death at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

The court heard that Preston, a healthy baby with no prior seizure history, was found in acute upper‑airway obstruction after a third seizure on the day of his death. Wright emphasized that the infant’s body showed “sinister pathology,” pointing to the lack of water in the lungs despite the defence’s claim of drowning.

Prosecutor Peter Wright KC labels the case a ‘tragedy waiting to happen’

In his closing remarks,Wright said the adoption, granted only four months earlier, should have marked a fresh start for the couple. Instead, he argued, the evidence – bruises, seizure records and a video of Preston’s respiratory distress filmed on Varley’s phone – indicated a deliberate escalation of abuse that culminated in death.

Three seizures and a fatal airway obstruction: timeline of Preston’s injuries

According to the prosecution, Preston suffered seizures on May 25, June 15 and again on July 27, the day he died. in addition, the court was shown photographs taken by Varley on July 23 that displayed serious injuries, and a May 5 image of a broken elbow allegedly caused by “deliberate forceful twisting or pulling.” Wright argued these incidents formed a pattern rather than isolated accidents.

John McGowan‑Fazakerley’s alleged failure to intervene

The 32‑year‑old sales manager is charged with causing or allowing the death of a child. Wright asserted that McGowan‑Fazakerley was aware of the “glaringly obvious risk” posed by Varley’s actions yet chose to ignore it, effectively enabling the abuse. The prosecution highlighted that McGowan‑Fazakerley was at work when the fatal incident occurred, leaving Varley alone with the infant.

Unanswered question: Was the alleged sexual abuse ever medically documented?

While Wright described “sexually‑motivated pictures” and a “grave sexual assault” on June 23, the defence has not presented medical records confirming sexual injury.. The court therefore faces the specific question of whether forensic evidence can substantiate the prosecutor’s claim of sexual abuse, or if the case rests solely on testimonial and photographic evidence.

Both defendants continue to deny all charges, including murder, sexual assault, cruelty and the creation of indecent images. As the trial proceeds, jurors must weigh the prosecutor’s narrative against the lack of direct medical corroboration of the alleged sexual crimes.