Disturbing footage released by police has revealed the final weeks of murdered toddler Preston Davey's life, showing the 13-month-old being deliberately prevented from sleeping by his adoptive dad shortly before his death.
Footage Reveals Cruel Treatment
The video was made public after Jamie Varley, 37, was convicted of Preston's sexual abuse, neglect and murder. Investigators said the clip captured a troubling example of the treatment Preston endured in the weeks leading up to his death.
Recorded on the evening of June 15, just hours before Preston's first birthday, the 43-second video shows the visibly exhausted child attempting to fall asleep while the soundtrack from Disney's Moana blares from a television in the background. As Preston closes his eyes, Varley suddenly shouts 'Boo', causing the toddler, dressed only in a nappy, to jolt awake.
Prosecutor Describes Varley as 'Evil'
Prosecutors described Varley as 'evil' and told Preston Crown Court that he sent the recording to his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, who was away on a work trip and waiting for a delayed flight home. The court heard that Varley had become increasingly frustrated at being left alone to care for Preston while McGowan-Fazakerley was away. Text messages exchanged between the pair showed them arguing, with Varley blaming his partner for taking a later flight and telling him it was his 'f****** fault, now f*** off.'
Later that same evening, prosecutors said Varley directed his anger and resentment toward Preston. The toddler, who would ultimately be found to have suffered 40 separate injuries, was sexually assaulted.
Evidence of Sexual Assault
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that, on at least one occasion, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley filmed themselves sexually assaulting Preston. Concerns about Preston's welfare had surfaced repeatedly before his death. On June 30, the couple brought him to A&E for a second time after he developed a high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea and a rash.
Medical staff again noticed fresh bruising on the child. Varley attempted to explain the injuries by showing hospital workers a 12-day-old video that allegedly showed a toy box falling on Preston. During the visit, he reportedly joked about being suspected of abuse.
Fractured Arm and Further Abuse
Just days later, on July 6, Preston returned to hospital after suffering a fractured arm. Different explanations were given to hospital staff, social workers and friends regarding how the injury occurred. Varley told A&E workers there had been 'an incident in Preston's cot.'
Further footage recorded by Varley on July 24 showed Preston left alone in a bath for more than 14 minutes. During that period, the toddler was no longer in his bath seat and could be heard in significant distress as he unsuccessfully tried to get out.
Final Hours
Three days later, another video filmed by Varley captured Preston lying on a bed and struggling to breathe. Prosecutors alleged the incident followed a further sexual assault that caused an obstruction in the child's airway. Hours after that recording was made, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley arrived at hospital carrying an unconscious Preston, who was also suffering cardiac arrest. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at 7.20pm.
Postmortem Findings
A postmortem examination concluded that Preston had suffered a total of 40 traumatic injuries while in the care of Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley. The injuries included at least 30 external bruises, as well as internal damage to his mouth, throat, bowel and bladder. Examiners also found evidence of a healing fractured arm, highlighting what prosecutors described as a sustained pattern of abuse in the weeks before his death.
The evil pair are set to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court.
