Baby allegedly murdered by adopted parent suffered sexual abuse injuries, court told

Preston Davey, born June 16 2022, was taken into care immediately after birth and placed with foster parents at five days old. At 10 months old, he was adopted by high school teacher Jamie Varley and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley. During the four months after adoption, it was alleged that he was routinely ill-treated, had indecent images and videos taken, and was sexually abused and physically assaulted. A paediatric expert reported around 40 trauma injuries, including tears and lacerations, and more than 30 bruises. The expert also found emotional abuse and physical injuries that could not be explained as accidental. Jurors saw videos and photographs of bruising and anatomical images described as abnormal and linked to forcible penetration.

"Dr Joanne Gifford told a jury at Preston Crown Court that she also found evidence baby Preston Davey, aged 13 months, had suffered emotional abuse and physical injuries that could not be explained away as accidental. Dr Gifford, an expert in child sexual abuse and clinical lead for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said she had reviewed the evidence in the case and produced a 173-page report, sections of which she was taken to to comment on by prosecutor Peter Wright KC."

"The witness said she had found around 40 trauma injuries, internally and externally to Preston, including tears and lacerations, with in excess of 30 bruises across his body. Jurors were shown videos and photographs of the child's bruises both before and after his death along with images of his anatomy, parts of which were described as abnormal and caused by, forcible penetration, according to a Home Office pathologist."

"During the four months Preston was under adoption it is alleged he was routinely ill-treated, had indecent images and videos taken of him and was sexually abused and physically assaulted. Both men deny all charges. Preston had been taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital three times already before his death, when on a final time he was rushed to Accident and Emergency by the defendants at around 6.30pm on July 27 2023."

"Dr Gifford told jurors: The injuries are clinical signs of sexual abuse. More than one occasion. Preston suffered emotional abuse and physical injuries that could not be explained away as accidental, a court heard (Handout/PA) Preston had been taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital three times already before his death."

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