The boyfriend of a teacher accused of abusing and murdering a baby boy they were adopting has insisted he never hurt or sexually assaulted the infant. Preston Davey died four months after being placed in the care of John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, and Jamie Varley, 37, in July 2023.
Charges and Allegations
The couple is on trial accused of routinely ill-treating, sexually abusing, and physically assaulting the 13-month-old, who had been taken from his birth mother and placed into foster care at five days old. Varley, a secondary school textiles teacher known as Jae, is also charged with murder. McGowan-Fazakerley, a sales representative, faces charges of allowing Preston's death.
At Preston Crown Court, video interviews from June 2025 showed McGowan-Fazakerley being questioned by Lancashire Constabulary detectives nearly two years after Preston's death. Officers stated that pathologist Dr. Alison Armour found 20 external bruises on Preston's head and body, along with serious internal injuries. Bruising to the bladder and back of the throat was consistent with sexual assault before death.
Defendant's Responses
When confronted with the findings, McGowan-Fazakerley appeared agitated, stood up, and said he could not explain such injuries. He insisted: 'There is no account for those injuries whatsoever. I have not witnessed Jae or anybody else hurt, harm, abuse, or neglect him. I most certainly have never.' He suggested bruises on Preston's knees and shins could have been accidental due to crawling, and a back injury from a baby swing. He added: 'I have never caused any injury to Preston. I have never been made aware or seen anybody else cause injuries to him.'
Varley told police he did not believe Preston had that many bruises and questioned the pathologist's accuracy. Detectives also asked McGowan-Fazakerley about videos and photos taken by Varley focusing on Preston's genitals, including a bath video and a paddling pool clip. McGowan-Fazakerley claimed there was 'nothing sinister' but admitted some images were 'inappropriate.'
Relationship Strain
Text messages between the couple revealed relationship strain. Varley wrote: 'I am going to stop trying now, I love you very much and our beautiful little family, I just need some space.' McGowan-Fazakerley replied: 'I need you to try.' He admitted they had been 'bickering' but later reconciled.
Varley denies murder, manslaughter, assault by penetration, child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault, and multiple indecent image charges. McGowan-Fazakerley denies allowing death, child cruelty, and sexual assault. The trial continues.
