Full Breakdown
Trial of Former Teacher and Partner Over Death of Adopted Baby Preston Davey
4/29/2026, 4:52:50 AM
Fatal Incident and Allegations
Preston Davey, a 13-month-old adopted by Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley, died on 27 July 2023 after being found unconscious and in cardiac arrest. A post-mortem identified multiple non-accidental injuries and concluded death resulted from acute upper-airway obstruction, either by smothering or an inserted object.
Adoption Background
Preston was born in June 2022, entered Oldham Council care five days later, and spent ten months with foster mother Sandra Cooper, who called him a “very happy baby” and later “a perfectly healthy baby”. After an adoption assessment, he moved to Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley on 1 April 2023.
Main Parties
Jamie Varley, 37, a former high-school head of year, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, face charges of murder, manslaughter, child cruelty, sexual assault and indecent image offences. Sandra Cooper, the former foster mother, testified about Preston’s health.
Timeline of Key Dates
June 2022 – birth and care entry. 1 April 2023 – adoption finalized. 6 April – Varley texts sister “He’s dead meat today…”. 10 April – Varley texts mother “This was before he was murdered…”. Apr–Jul 2023 – three hospital admissions, including a fractured elbow. 27 July – Preston found unconscious, declared dead. Sep 2023 – trial begins.
Charges, Evidence, and Legal Proceedings
The prosecution presented 40 injuries, three hospital admissions and the post-mortem. Varley’s texts calling the infant “dead meat” and “annoying” were used to show his attitude. The defendants deny all charges.
Official Statements
Varley says the death was an accidental drowning after briefly leaving the child in a bath. McGowan-Fazakerley denies allowing the death. Police note the gap between this account and further detailed medical evidence of non-accidental injuries. Cooper’s testimony stressed Preston’s prior health.
Defense Position
The defence argues the incident was a bathing accident and that injuries were not intentionally inflicted, highlighting a lack of direct evidence of smothering.
Conflicting Accounts
Varley’s claim of accidental drowning conflicts with the post-mortem conclusion of acute airway obstruction caused by smothering or an inserted object, leaving the precise cause unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
Implications for Child Protection
The case highlights the seriousness of child-harm allegations involving adoptive parents and the extensive evidence presented at trial. The jury heard extensive evidence of injuries.
Next Steps
The trial proceeds at Preston Crown Court, with hearings to determine guilt on the charges and consider sentencing if convictions are returned.
