A teacher on trial for the murder of a 13-month-old baby sent a text message to his partner reading 'I strangled him', a court has heard. Jamie Varley, 37, is accused of killing Preston Davey, who died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in July 2023 after suffering 40 injuries over four months while in the couple's care.
Varley and his partner John McGowan-Fazackerley, 32, both of Grimsargh, Preston, are on trial at Preston Crown Court. They deny all charges, including murder, manslaughter, sexual offences and child cruelty.
The jury was shown a text sent from Varley's phone on July 10, 2023, which read: 'Your son’s in hospital. I strangled him. Jokes, just give me a call when done.' Earlier messages revealed Varley's struggles with the baby's sleep, including a text to his sister on April 6 saying: 'He's dead meat today.'
Prosecutors allege Varley inflicted the fatal injuries and McGowan-Fazackerley allowed the death. The trial continues on May 5.
