Jurors have today (June 11) retired to consider their verdicts in the Preston Davey murder trial. Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley are on trial following the death of the 13-month-old child.
Mr Varley, 38, faces charges including murder, manslaughter, sexual assault of a child under 13, inflicting grievous bodily harm, five counts of child cruelty, and additional counts of making, taking, and distributing indecent images. Mr McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is accused of causing or allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty, and sexual assault of a child under 13. Both men deny all charges.
The jury has heard allegations of abuse during the four months Preston lived at the couple's home in Blackpool. The court was told that social workers and a health visitor visited the family, and Preston was taken to hospital on three separate occasions before his death.
Summing up the trial, Mr Justice Turner instructed jurors to set aside emotion and base their decisions solely on the evidence presented in court. He noted that the defendants being a gay couple is part of the case's background but holds no relevance in deliberations. The judge emphasized that a gay man is no more likely to commit sexual offences against a male child than a heterosexual man is against a girl.
Preston was unresponsive when brought to Blackpool Victoria Hospital at 6.15pm on July 27, 2023. Medical staff attempted resuscitation for an hour, and despite a brief return of circulation, they could not revive him. He was pronounced dead at 7.20pm.
