A jury at Preston Crown Court has begun deliberations regarding the case of two men accused in connection with the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey, who died at his Blackpool home in July 2023. The trial judge, Mr Justice Cotter, has emphasised that only a unanimous verdict will be accepted.
The toddler passed away following cardiac and respiratory arrest.
Accused Face Multiple Charges
Jamie Varley, 38, a former school teacher, faces several charges including murder, manslaughter, sexual assault of a child under 13, grievous bodily harm, five counts of child cruelty, and offences related to indecent images.
John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is charged with causing or allowing Preston’s death, two counts of child cruelty, and sexual assault of a child under 13. Both men deny all allegations.
Medical Experts Disagree
The jury has heard conflicting expert testimony during the trial. Pathologist Dr Alison Armour stated that bruising on Preston’s face and head resembled fingertip marks consistent with deliberate suffocation.
In contrast, defence expert Professor Jack Crane argued that the injuries could have resulted from emergency resuscitation efforts or medical intubation, concluding the cause of death as “unascertained.”
Prosecution And Defence Clash
Prosecutors claim that Varley fabricated an alibi suggesting Preston slipped in the bath to cover up abuse, citing paramedic testimony that the toddler’s hair was dry at the time.
Meanwhile, defence barristers have urged jurors to reject “innuendo and emotion,” highlighting that Preston was regularly seen by health professionals and social workers without any safeguarding concerns being raised.
Jury Deliberations Ongoing
After weeks of testimony, the jury is now considering all the evidence against the defendants. The court awaits their decision, which will have serious implications for both men charged over the child’s tragic death.
Originally published by UKNIP.
