Preston Davey trial hears baby was ‘gorgeous, alert and happy’ before living with adoptive dads

Preston’s medical records were shown to the jury at Preston Crown Court

18:54, 21 Apr 2026Updated 19:03, 21 Apr 2026

Preston Davey(Image: Lancashire Police)

A baby boy who died in the care of his adoptive parents was ‘gorgeous, happy and alert’ before he went to live with them, a court heard.

Jurors were told how, Preston Davey’s body was found with 40 injuries that were external and internal as well as an obstructed airway.

It is alleged that the 13-old-month child was physically, psychologically and sexually abused in the four months he lived with Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazackerley, 32.

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Mr Varley is accused of murder, sexual assault, GBH, child cruelty, making indecent images and distributing an indecent image. Mr McGowan-Fazackerley is accused of 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.

They both deny the charges and are at trial at Preston Crown Court, Lancs Live reports.

Peter Wright KC, prosecuting, detailed Preston’s medical records from his birth at Wythenshaw Hospital on June 16, 2022, to the day before he died, June 26, 2023. He said the baby was born four weeks prematurely and weighed 5lb 7oz.

Preston remained in hospital with his birth mother for five days before being placed with experienced foster carers, the court heard. The jury was told how Preston struggled with reflux and was prescribed special milk and medicine. By October he was sleeping better and seemed happier, it was said.

On December 22, 2023, Dr Mukherjee, consultant paediatrician at Oldham NHS Trust carried out a pre-adoption medical. In a report, shown to the jury, Preston was described as a ‘gorgeous, happy, alert and interactive child’.

Jamie Varley.(Image: X)

He had good social communication and was playing with his toys and smiling to interact in clinic, it was said. His chest and tummy were normal and he had mild flatness to the back of his head, which is not unusual in babies, the report said.

It said Preston’s fontanelle was normal and his weight was on the 50th – 75th centile, his tone and reflexes were normal, the jury heard.

“In summary I have no major health concern for him and it was a pleasure to review him today,” the court heard the doctor wrote. “I wish him all the best in the future.”

A child permanence report, carried out in November 2022, said Preston was completely reliant on his caregivers, the trial was told. He would need a family ‘with lots of energy and drive to take part in activities to support learning’, the court heard the report added..

On March 9, 2023, the adoption was approved and an introduction process began, the court was told. On April 3, 2023, Preston went to live with Mr Varley, a teacher, and Mr McGowan-Fazackerley, a salesman, at their home in Staining Avenue, Blackpool, jurors heard.

At his nine month check, on March 19, the health visitor noticed Preston had a slight squint and was slightly behind in his communication and gross motor skills, the court heard. He had made progress since his last check, she said.

John McGowan-Fazackerley.(Image: X)

On July 27, 2023, Preston was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital in a state of collapse, the court heard. He was in cardiac arrest and respiratory failure.

Medics tried to resuscitate him, but at 7.30pm Preston was pronounced dead. The jury heard Mr Varley claimed Preston had slipped under the water in the bath while he was unsupervised.

The prosecution say post mortem results did not support Mr Varley’s account and there was no natural cause of death.

Mr Wright KC said: “These defendants were wholly unsuited to the role of adopted parents. Sadly this only became apparent when, sadly for Preston, it was too late.”

Between May and July, 2023, Preston was taken to hospital with breathing difficulties and a fractured elbow, the court heard. Bruises were noted but explained by the couple as resulting from a toy box falling on Preston’s head while he was playing, the jury was told.

Neighbours reported hearing raised voices between the couple and said they seemed to be struggling with looking after a young child, the court heard.

Mr Varley is accused of murder, sexual assault, GBH, child cruelty, making indecent images and distributing an indecent image. Mr McGowan-Fazackerley is accused of 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, of Chandlers Way, Grimsargh, deny the allegations. The trial continues.