Foster Mother's 'Gut Feeling' Revealed in Trial of Adoptive Dads Accused of Murder
A foster carer who cared for a baby from just five days old until his adoption has told a court of the "gut feeling" she had that something was terribly wrong. Sandra Cooper handed Preston Davey over to his new adoptive fathers, Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazackerley, in a process that would end in tragedy.
Tragic Death of 13-Month-Old Preston
The youngster died aged just 13 months at Blackpool Victoria Hospital after suffering approximately 40 internal and external injuries while in the care of Varley and McGowan-Fazackerley, according to prosecutors. Varley, 37, is accused of murdering the child, while his partner McGowan-Fazackerley, 32, is accused of allowing the little boy's death.
Both men, of Chandlers Way in Grimsargh, Preston, deny all allegations along with charges of cruelty and sexual abuse. The trial continues at Preston Crown Court with emotional testimony from those who knew Preston best.
Foster Carer's Bond with "Beautiful" Baby
Mrs Cooper began caring for baby Preston in June 2022. She and her husband Paul have been foster parents for 27 remarkable years and have cared for 43 babies during that time. Describing Preston with evident emotion, she said: "He was beautiful. He was happy, he laughed, he smiled really early - he was a really lovely baby. He loved cuddles, he had really nice eye contact - he was just having a really nice life."
In January 2023, care proceedings were finalized and Mrs Cooper was informed that the process of seeking a permanent family for Preston was underway. Varley, a teacher, and McGowan-Fazackerley had already been approved as prospective adoptive parents, and by March 2023 the match received official approval.
Introduction Process and Early Concerns
An introduction process began with the foster family meeting the prospective adopters at a restaurant in Ashton-Under-Lyne. Mrs Cooper described this initial meeting as "really lovely" and noted that Preston seemed happy to be passed to the couple to be held. Further introductions followed at both the Cooper's home and later at the adoptive fathers' house on Staining Avenue in Blackpool.
Because Preston struggled with reflux and could be difficult to settle, Mrs Cooper arranged to stay at a hotel close to the new family's home. This allowed her to be "on call" when Preston began overnight visits with his new dads. Surprisingly, she told the jury she was never called to help, and on April 3, 2023, Preston went to live at Staining Avenue permanently.
Post-Adoption Tensions and Growing Worry
A series of post-adoption meet-ups were arranged with Oldham council social worker Amy Shepherdson, who oversaw the adoption process. However, tensions soon emerged. In May, Mrs Cooper learned that the adoptive fathers had complained about another foster carer being present during some introductions at her home.
"I took that really badly," she testified. "I took that to be the day I never see him again." She described feeling "devastated" and "cried all day" because she believed the falling out with Preston's new parents would end their relationship permanently.
Mrs Cooper told the jury she left a group chat that had been established between herself, her husband, and the new parents, though she remained in a separate chat with the same members and social workers.
The Fateful Meeting and "Gut Feeling"
A meeting was arranged at Barton Grange for April 29, but Mrs Cooper immediately noticed something was wrong. She observed that Preston looked "stiff and a bit blank" during the encounter. "We were really worried," she added with clear concern in her testimony.
She and her husband were caring for two other babies at the time and had to get the children up at 6:30am for the visit. "It was made really difficult, but I would have done anything to see him that day," she told the court.
Mrs Cooper revealed that a further meeting was arranged for her birthday, but the family failed to appear as planned. She later confided in a social worker about her growing concerns, stating she had a "gut feeling" that something was seriously wrong and that the couple were "hiding" Preston from her.
Serious Charges Facing the Defendants
The charges against the two men are extensive and severe. Varley faces accusations of:
- Murder
- Sexual assault
- Grievous bodily harm
- Child cruelty
- Making indecent images
- Distributing an indecent image
McGowan-Fazackerley is accused of:
- Causing and allowing the death of a child
- Two counts of cruelty to a person under 16
- Sexual assault of a male child under 13
The trial continues with further evidence expected to be presented in the coming days as the court seeks to determine what happened to Preston Davey during his short life with his adoptive fathers.
