Preston Crown Court heard on Tuesday that medical evidence contradicts the claim by 37-year-old Jamie Varley that his 13-month-old adopted son, Preston Davey, drowned in a bath. Paramedics and hospital staff found the child unconscious when Varley brought him to Blackpool Victoria Hospital; despite resuscitation attempts, the infant died. The prosecution alleges Varley murdered the boy after subjecting him to repeated physical and sexual abuse, while co-defendant John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is charged with child cruelty and sexual assault.

Post-mortem examinations revealed nearly 40 injuries across the child's body, with no water detected in his lungs, according to senior anaesthetist Dr Wendy Aubrey. She testified that Varley's account of a brief unsupervised bath did not align with medical expectations, which would include water inhalation if drowning had occurred. Accident and emergency consultant Dr Anthony Kearns added that the child's body showed no external moisture and his nappy remained dry, further undermining the drowning claim.

Witnesses described starkly different behaviors from the two defendants. Dr Aubrey stated one parent was agitated and shouted emotional appeals, including an incriminating statement, while the other remained quiet. Paramedic Simon Crabb said Varley was hysterical during the hospital transfer, whereas McGowan-Fazakerley appeared calmer. The prosecution has charged Varley with murder, sexual assault, child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, and producing indecent images; McGowan-Fazakerley denies charges of cruelty and sexual assault.

The trial was adjourned Tuesday and is set to resume Wednesday morning as the prosecution continues to present evidence. The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly concerning oversight in adoptive placements and child protection protocols.