Social Worker Missed Red Flags in Baby's Death Case

A social worker visiting the home of 13-month-old Preston Davey in July 2023 noted potential concerns but concluded there was no problem, a court heard. Preston had been admitted to hospital earlier that month with an elbow fracture, with his adoptive father, Jamie Varley, initially claiming the injury occurred when placing the baby in his cot. Later, a different medical explanation suggested the injury was from a car seat. Disturbing text messages presented in court revealed Varley sent a message to his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, stating, "Your son's in hospital. I strangled him," later clarifying it was a "joke."

Preston, adopted in April 2023, reportedly suffered routine mistreatment, sexual abuse, and physical assault during the four months under his adoptive parents' care. The infant was later found unconscious and in cardiac arrest on July 27, 2023, after which Varley claimed Preston had drowned in the bath. However, a post-mortem examination revealed approximately 40 traumatic injuries. Varley denies murder and multiple other charges, while McGowan-Fazakerley denies charges including allowing the child's death and sexual assault.