Investigators uncovered a disturbing trail of digital and medical evidence that challenged the story initially given about Preston Davey’s death. During the investigation, police recovered photographs and videos from the defendants’ phones that documented injuries and incidents involving Preston during the months before his death.

One particularly significant piece of evidence was a video recorded on 27 July 2023, showing 13-month-old Preston struggling to breathe and appearing to be in obvious discomfort. Prosecutors argued that this was recorded shortly before a further assault that caused an obstruction to his airway.

The evidence also raised questions about the original explanation that Preston had drowned in a bath. When he arrived at hospital, he was reportedly completely dry, while the post-mortem examination found no evidence of drowning. Instead, medical experts concluded that his death resulted from acute upper-airway obstruction, consistent with smothering or an object being forced into his mouth.

Investigators also uncovered a broader pattern. A post-mortem identified 40 traumatic injuries, including numerous external bruises, internal injuries and a healing fracture to his arm that was determined to be non-accidental. These findings helped prosecutors establish that the harm was not an isolated incident.

The investigation further revealed that Preston had been taken to hospital several times before his death. One earlier visit involved a fractured arm, for which different explanations were reportedly given to medical staff, friends and social workers. Police also recovered evidence from phones showing additional incidents of physical cruelty.

The case ultimately resulted in convictions. Jamie Varley received a whole-life order, meaning he will remain in prison for the rest of his life, while John McGowan-Fazakerley was sentenced to 25 years after being convicted of causing or allowing a child’s death and other offences.

The most disturbing part of the new evidence is how multiple pieces — phone records, videos, medical findings and conflicting accounts — came together to challenge the original explanation of what happened to Preston. What initially appeared to be an accident was ultimately shown in court to be the result of sustained abuse and deliberate criminal acts.