Oldham Social worker ‘pondered’ baby’s welfare before death, murder trial hears

Preston Davey

Jurors at Preston Crown Court were told Helen Magee visited the Blackpool home of Varley and McGowan Fazakerley in July 2023 following the child’s third hospital admission.

In her written notes, Ms Magee recorded that the child appeared settled, writing that he was happy with both of his fathers and that this led her to consider whether there was a problem she could not see. She concluded there was not an issue.

The child, Preston Davey, died later that month.

The court heard he had been taken into care shortly after birth in Oldham in 2022 and was adopted by Varley and McGowan Fazakerley in April 2023.

On 6 July 2023, Varley took him to hospital with an elbow injury. Medical staff were told the injury occurred as the child was being placed into a cot the previous night when he moved suddenly. An X ray confirmed a fracture and his arm was placed in a cast.

A social worker who had been in contact with hospital staff sent a message to Varley stating there were no concerns raised by medics. She later visited the home and noted the child appeared pale and not himself, adding that he attempted to smile but then became distressed.

Jurors were shown messages sent by Varley on the day of the hospital visit, including one stating “Your son’s in hospital. I strangled him.” A second message sent shortly after said “Jokes. Just give me a call when done.”

Further messages shown to the court included a comment to a friend stating “We did it we think… not on purpose but caught him when falling.”

Medical evidence presented to the jury included differing accounts of how the injury occurred. An orthopaedic surgeon told the court he had been informed the injury happened while the child was being strapped into a car seat, rather than in a cot.

The court heard Varley had taken time away from his role as a teacher to care for the child following the adoption and had been dealing with disrupted sleep and caring responsibilities while his partner worked long hours.

The jury was told that during the four months the child lived with Varley and McGowan Fazakerley he was allegedly subjected to repeated ill treatment, including physical and sexual abuse, and that indecent images and videos were allegedly created.

On 27 July 2023 he was taken to hospital unconscious and in cardiac arrest. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Varley told police the child had drowned accidentally in a bath. The prosecution state this account was inconsistent with medical findings, which indicated the child had suffered multiple traumatic injuries.

Varley denies murder, manslaughter and a series of other offences including child cruelty, grievous bodily harm and sexual offences. McGowan Fazakerley denies charges including causing or allowing the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual assault.

The trial continues.