Co-accused partner ‘misplaced’ trust in baby murder accused

The co-accused partner of a man alleged to have murdered their adopted baby son has told a jury his trust in him was “misplaced”.

- by Post Reporter

John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is said to have caused or allowed the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey, along with child cruelty and a sexual assault.

His ex-partner, Jamie Varley, 37, is accused of the murder of the youngster and multiple offences of cruelty and child sexual abuse.

Both men, of Chandlers Way, Grimsargh and formerly of Staining Road, Staining, have pleaded not guilty to all charges at Preston Crown Court.

McGowan-Fazakerley told the jury he had no reason to believe Varley had harmed Preston and thought he had drowned after the ex-South Shore Academy teacher said en route to hospital he had left him alone in the bath.

He said he still believed his death was accidental as the now former couple continued to live together up until they were re-arrested in 2025 and charged.