In a courtroom trial, the co-accused partner of a man accused of murdering and sexually assaulting their adopted baby son admitted to the jury that he had misplaced his trust in the alleged perpetrator.
John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is facing charges related to the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey, including child cruelty and sexual assault. His partner, Jamie Varley, 37, a high school teacher, is also accused of murder, child cruelty, and child sexual abuse. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges in the case being heard at Preston Crown Court.
The couple had adopted Preston, described as a “sweet and bubbly” baby, in April 2023. However, prosecutors claim that during the four months Preston spent at their Blackpool residence before being hospitalized on July 27, he was subjected to mistreatment, inappropriate media recordings, sexual abuse, and physical violence.
McGowan-Fazakerley informed the court that he initially believed Varley’s explanation that Preston had drowned in the bath while he was left alone. It was only later, while in prison awaiting trial, that he began to question the events leading to Preston’s death.
During questioning by his barrister, McGowan-Fazakerley expressed his evolving understanding of the situation and admitted that his trust in Varley had been misguided. Varley, on the other hand, denies allegations of orchestrating a false account of the “bath incident” and withholding crucial information about Preston’s condition.
The defendants’ relationship has since ended, and both maintain their innocence in the face of the serious charges brought against them. Varley faces multiple charges, including murder, child cruelty, and sexual offenses, while McGowan-Fazakerley denies his involvement in the child’s death and other related offenses.
