Two men, Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazackerley, 32, are facing trial at Preston Crown Court over the alleged abuse and death of a 13-month-old baby they were caring for. Prosecutors claim that the child, Preston Davey, sustained 40 injuries within four months while under the care of the accused couple, leading to his death at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in July 2023.

During the trial, evidence was presented that Varley sent a text message to McGowan-Fazackerley confessing to strangling the baby. Varley also expressed difficulties in caring for the child, citing sleep deprivation and frustration in various messages to friends and family.

Varley is charged with offenses including murder, assault, cruelty to a child, and indecent acts involving a child, all of which he denies. McGowan-Fazakerley is accused of allowing the child’s death and other child cruelty charges, which he also denies. The trial is ongoing and is scheduled to continue on May 5.