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Foster Mom's Gut Feeling Preceded Baby's Tragic Death
22 Apr
Summary
- Foster mother felt a 'gut feeling' something was wrong before child's death.
- Adoptive parents face charges of murder and sexual abuse of the infant.
- Baby suffered 40 traumatic injuries before his death in July 2023.
The foster mother of 13-month-old Preston, Sandra Cooper, testified in court that she experienced a "gut feeling" something was wrong before the infant's alleged abuse and murder. Preston had been fostered by Cooper from birth until 10 months old before moving in with adoptive parents Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley in April 2023.
Cooper told Preston Crown Court she was worried and felt the adoptive parents were "hiding" Preston when she attempted to visit. Varley is accused of killing and abusing Preston, while McGowan-Fazakerley faces charges of allowing his death and assaulting him. Both deny all accusations.
The prosecution alleges that in the four months following his adoption, Preston suffered routine ill-treatment, indecent images were taken of him, and he sustained 40 traumatic injuries. He died in hospital on July 27, 2023, following a collapse and cardiac arrest, reportedly after a sexual assault by Varley.
Preston's social worker, Amy Shepherdson, testified about three hospital visits Preston had in the months before his death, including a diagnosis of a chest infection and a fractured left elbow. Shepherdson stated she had no safeguarding concerns following visits after the second and third hospitalizations. She was informed of Preston's death on July 27, 2023.
