Jamie Varley called adopted baby 'dead meat' and claimed 'murder', jury hears

9 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Apr 28

Preston Crown Court heard Varley, 37, and partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, adopted 13-month-old Preston Davey in April 2023, who died after suffering 40 injuries in their Blackpool home.
Varley denies murder and multiple abuse charges, while McGowan-Fazakerley denies allowing the death of a child and related offences. The court was shown texts where Varley expressed frustration and disturbing comments about the baby.
Foster parent Sandra Cooper described Preston as a healthy, happy baby before adoption. A post-mortem found non-accidental injuries and death by airway obstruction. The trial continues at Preston Crown Court.

The first jury was dismissed. What legal hurdles could now prevent justice for this murdered 13-month-old child?

A 'perfectly healthy baby' suffered 40 injuries. How did the UK's rigorous adoption screening process fail so catastrophically?

With 1,000 adoptions failing, is this child's death an isolated crime or a symptom of a broken system?

He claimed drowning, but doctors found airway obstruction. What does forensics reveal about the baby's final moments?

Texts called him 'dead meat' and a 'ray of sunshine'. Do they show a murderer's intent or a parent's breakdown?

After three hospital visits and a fractured elbow, why did no one intervene to save this baby's life?