Overview
- Video interviews recorded in June 2025 were played to jurors, with John McGowan-Fazakerley saying he never hurt or sexually assaulted the 13-month-old.
- He told detectives he never saw his partner, Jamie Varley, harm the child and said he could not explain the injuries described by experts.
- Home Office pathologist Dr Alison Armour testified that Preston died from acute upper airway obstruction, not drowning, and documented about 40 non‑accidental injuries including deep throat bruising and a likely human bite mark.
- Varley has said the baby slipped from a bath seat before collapsing, but clinicians told the court the medical findings point to sexual and physical abuse rather than an accident.
- Varley faces murder and child sex abuse charges, and McGowan-Fazakerley is accused of causing or allowing death and child cruelty, with both pleading not guilty as the trial continues at Preston Crown Court.