Murder-Accused Teacher ‘Begged Medics to Save Baby’

Emergency Response and Parents’ Accounts

Murder accused teacher begged medics to save – Jamie Varley, 37, a high school teacher, is accused of murdering 13-month-old Preston Davey and sexually abusing him, according to a trial at Preston Crown Court. During the incident, Varley allegedly rushed the child to Blackpool Victoria Hospital while he was unconscious, prompting medics to attempt resuscitation. The court heard that Varley pleaded with medical staff, urging them not to let Preston die, as he admitted, “I effing killed him.” This occurred shortly after the baby was found unresponsive at 18:25 BST on 27 July 2023.

“Don’t let him die! Please don’t let him die,” Varley reportedly told paramedic Simon Crabb, who observed the child being carried in a “floppy” state. Crabb described the scene, noting that the other parent, John McGowan-Fazakerley, was present but “had a look of terror in his eyes,” despite appearing calmer initially.

The emergency team worked for nearly an hour to revive the child, but ultimately declared Preston dead at 19:18 BST. Varley, who was at the time partnered with McGowan-Fazakerley, is charged with murder, while his co-accused is accused of allowing the child’s death. Both individuals also face allegations of sexual abuse, which they deny.

Abuse Allegations Over Four Months

Jurors were informed that during the four months Preston was under their care in Blackpool, he allegedly endured routine mistreatment. This included physical assaults, sexual abuse, and the taking of indecent images and videos. A post-mortem examination revealed 40 injuries, indicating a pattern of harm. The prosecution claims Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were responsible for these abuses, with the child’s death marking the culmination of their alleged actions.

According to medical testimony, the child’s condition was critical when Varley arrived at the hospital. Dr Wendy Aubrey, a senior anaesthetist, described the process of intubating Preston, inserting a tube into his throat to ensure oxygen flow. She noted that no water was present in the child’s airways or lungs, which raised questions about the cause of his death. “I would have expected water in his lungs,” she stated, suggesting the drowning theory was not confirmed during resuscitation.

“There was no water in his lungs. I would have expected water in his lungs,” Dr Aubrey emphasized, adding that it was standard practice to invite family members to witness the resuscitation efforts. She recalled Varley’s emotional state, describing him as “very dramatic” and “more dramatic than I have seen parents previously.” His behavior was marked by chaos, as he refused to be supported and persisted in administering chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation even after the breathing tube was in place.

Video Evidence and Timeline of Abuse

Earlier that day, Varley visited his mother’s house and captured a video of Preston being bounced on his grandmother’s knee. The footage showed the baby smiling and clapping along to the tune of “If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands,” a stark contrast to the child’s later fate. This video, sent to McGowan-Fazakerley who was at work, is part of the evidence presented in the case.

Following the video, Varley allegedly subjected Preston to a final sexual assault before transporting him to the hospital. The timeline suggests the abuse escalated to a critical point, with the child’s death occurring just hours after the alleged attack. Medical staff reported that Preston was completely dry when they arrived, contradicting the initial assumption that he had been submerged in water. Dr Anthony Kearns, the lead consultant in the accident and emergency department, confirmed that the child had no signs of moisture, despite the drowning theory being considered.

“The child was completely dry. They had a nappy in situ, which appeared to be appropriately placed,” Kearns stated. This detail has led to debates about the exact cause of Preston’s death, as the absence of water in his lungs challenges the drowning narrative. However, the prosecution argues that the abuse and neglect preceding the incident were sufficient to lead to the child’s demise.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Varley faces a range of charges, including murder, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, five counts of cruelty to a child, grievous bodily harm, and 13 counts of taking indecent photos or videos of a child. He is also accused of distributing an indecent photo and making an indecent image. McGowan-Fazakerley, meanwhile, denies allowing Preston’s death and is charged with three counts of child cruelty and one count of sexual assault.

The trial has highlighted the emotional toll on the family, with Varley’s mother also being present during the resuscitation efforts. Prosecutors argue that the pair’s actions over the past four months were a calculated pattern of abuse, culminating in the tragic death. The defense, however, maintains that the child’s injuries were not intentional and that the medical team’s efforts were insufficient to save him.

Impact and Support Resources

The case has sparked widespread concern, with media and community members scrutinizing the lives of the accused. The prosecution aims to demonstrate the systematic nature of the abuse, while the defense seeks to downplay the severity of the allegations. As the trial progresses, jurors will consider the evidence, including medical reports, witness testimonies, and the video footage, to determine the fate of the defendants.

For those affected by the events of this case, the BBC Action Line offers assistance and support. Listeners can access resources through BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds, follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or share story ideas via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2230. The trial continues, with key testimonies and forensic evidence shaping the narrative of Preston Davey’s untimely death.

Throughout the proceedings, the emotional state of Varley has been a focal point. His desperate pleas to the medics, combined with his visible distress during the resuscitation process, have underscored the gravity of the situation. The jury’s task is to weigh these moments against the broader context of alleged abuse, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances that led to the child’s death.

As the trial unfolds, the focus remains on the evidence presented to establish a clear picture of the abuse and neglect Preston endured. The testimonies of medical professionals, the video of the child’s happy moments, and the timeline of events will play crucial roles in determining the guilt or innocence of the defendants. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of prolonged abuse on a vulnerable child and the emotional and physical toll it can take on their caregivers.