Overview
- In Wednesday’s hearing, Home Office pathologist Dr Alison Armour told jurors a photo showed a likely human bite mark and said Preston died from an obstructed airway rather than drowning.
- She reported more than 40 injuries, including unusual bruising deep in the throat and recent pelvic organ damage that she said occurred hours before death.
- Prosecutors showed phone media that included a 4:45pm video on July 27 of Preston looking very unwell, photos of him slumped over a cot rail with his neck on the bar, and a 14‑minute bath video where he was left alone.
- A recorded police interview played to the jury captured Jamie Varley angrily denying the allegations, calling the findings “bullshit,” and insisting the child drowned after being left in the bath for a few minutes.
- Preston had lived with the couple for under four months before his death at 13 months old, and both Varley and partner John McGowan‑Fazakerley deny charges that include murder, child cruelty and sexual offences as the trial continues at Preston Crown Court.