Teacher Said Baby Was ‘Dead Meat’, Jury Hears

Teacher said baby was dead meat – A 37-year-old former teacher, Jamie Varley, and his 32-year-old partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, face serious charges after allegedly abusing and killing an adopted infant. During a recent court session, Varley described the child as “dead meat” and claimed he had “murdered” him in the weeks leading up to the baby’s death, according to testimony presented to the jury. The trial at Preston Crown Court continues as the prosecution builds its case against the couple.

Adoption and Alleged Abuse

Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley adopted 13-month-old Preston Davey in April 2023, the court heard. For nearly four months after the adoption, the infant reportedly endured repeated mistreatment and accumulated 40 severe injuries at the defendants’ home in Blackpool. The child’s condition worsened significantly, culminating in his hospitalization on 27 July 2023, where he was found unconscious and in cardiac arrest. Medical staff were unable to revive him, marking the tragic end of the baby’s life.

Varley denies murder, manslaughter, and multiple other offenses, including two counts of sexual assault by penetration and five instances of child cruelty. His partner, McGowan-Fazakerley, also faces allegations of allowing the child’s death, along with three counts of child cruelty and one charge of sexual assault. The pair has been accused of subjecting Preston to prolonged physical and emotional harm, with evidence suggesting the abuse began shortly after he joined their household.

Testimony of Foster Parent

Before being adopted, Preston was under the care of Sandra Cooper, a foster parent who described him as “a very happy baby” in a statement read to the jury. Cooper noted that while the infant was not a good sleeper, he could be soothed by having his head gently stroked. She emphasized that Preston was healthy and content after his dairy intolerance was addressed, with his diet adjusted to eliminate milk.

Cooper handed over Preston to the defendants at the end of March 2023. However, the baby was taken to hospital three times within the next few months, including once for a fractured left elbow. These incidents raised concerns among caregivers and officials, yet the couple’s care was not immediately questioned. The trial now hinges on whether the defendants’ actions were intentional or a result of neglect.

Varley’s Statements and Confessions

Varley, who had taken a year off work as a head of year at a high school to adopt, admitted to struggling with sleep deprivation early in their adoption. On 6 April 2023, he sent a message to his sister, a baby sleep trainer, stating:

“He’s dead meat today. Didn’t sleep last night after 11.30. Up every, one and a half hours.”

This comment, which highlighted the infant’s relentless nighttime waking, was later followed by a video of Preston in his walker, to which Varley’s mother Karen Graham responded:

“Clever boy xxx.”

Varley then replied to her with:

“This was before he was murdered and put to bed.”

The message suggests he perceived the child’s survival as a result of his own efforts, despite the baby’s condition deteriorating rapidly. He also shared texts with friends, revealing his internal conflict:

“First sleep over. I wanted to put him in the field with the cows.”

While expressing frustration, Varley described Preston as a “ray of sunshine,” underscoring the emotional complexity of his actions.

Other communications from Varley indicated his growing exhaustion and dissatisfaction. He wrote:

“He’s just annoying. Lol.”

and confessed to feeling “really struggling” due to the baby’s constant crying. He told a friend:

“Right now we are questioning every choice.”

These statements provide insight into the psychological strain he faced, which may have influenced his decisions.

Post-Mortem Findings and Legal Proceedings

Forensic evidence revealed that the baby suffered multiple non-accidental injuries, both internal and external, during the weeks prior to his death. The post-mortem report indicated that the cause of death was acute upper airway obstruction, which could have resulted from either smothering or an object inserted into his mouth. The prosecution argues that the abuse was systematic and intentional, while the defendants maintain that their actions were not premeditated.

Varley claimed to police that he had briefly left Preston in the bath, only to return and find him drowning. This account, however, does not align with the medical findings, which suggest a more complex pattern of harm. The trial will explore whether the defendants’ behavior was a result of negligence or deliberate malice.

McGowan-Fazakerley, who also denies the charges, has not yet provided detailed accounts of the events. The jury is tasked with determining the extent of their involvement in the infant’s abuse and death. As the trial progresses, new evidence and witness testimonies will be crucial in shaping the narrative.

Context of the Adoption Process

Preston was placed in care by Oldham Council just five days after his birth in June 2022. After spending 10 months with Sandra Cooper, he was adopted by Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley. The adoption process included an assessment and familiarisation phase, during which the couple was evaluated for their ability to care for the child. Despite these checks, the infant’s health declined sharply after joining the new household.

Testimony from Cooper and other witnesses will be pivotal in establishing the timeline of events. The court will examine whether the defendants’ actions were consistent with the care plan or indicative of deeper issues. The case has sparked discussions about the adequacy of adoption processes and the signs of abuse that may have been overlooked.

As the trial continues, the jury must weigh the conflicting accounts of Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley against the evidence of the baby’s injuries and the testimonies of those who cared for him before adoption. The legal proceedings will determine the fate of the couple, who have been accused of inflicting severe harm on an innocent child.

For updates on the case, listeners can tune into BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds or follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can also be sent via WhatsApp to 0808 100 2230. The case remains a focal point for public interest and legal scrutiny.