Overview
- Prosecutors closed their case Tuesday after jurors watched police videos of John McGowan-Fazakerley, who denied harming 13‑month‑old Preston and described the hospital dash as feeling like a soap opera.
- Jurors have also seen Jamie Varley’s interview, in which he rejected claims he killed or abused Preston and told an officer, “I’ll fight you till the day I die.”
- Medical experts told the court Preston died from acute upper airway obstruction, not drowning, and they detailed about 40 injuries including deep‑throat bruising consistent with sexual assault.
- Police presented images and videos from Varley’s phone, including footage that focused on the child’s genitals and a 14‑minute bath clip where Preston was described as whimpering.
- Varley is charged with murder and a series of sexual and cruelty offences, McGowan-Fazakerley is charged with causing or allowing death and related offences, both deny all charges, and the defence is due to begin Thursday, May 21.