Newly examined phone evidence played a crucial role in revealing what happened during the final months of 13-month-old Preston Davey’s life. Prosecutors presented photographs and videos recovered from Jamie Varley’s phone, some of which showed signs of physical harm and distress involving Preston. The evidence became a central part of the prosecution’s case.

Among the material recovered were images taken in April and May 2023 that prosecutors said showed bruising and other indications of physical cruelty. Investigators also recovered an indecent video that had been shared with Varley’s partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, through Snapchat.

The digital evidence also helped establish a disturbing timeline. On July 19, Varley recorded videos of Preston being spun at excessive speed on a playground ride while the baby appeared distressed. Another video recorded on July 24 showed Preston left alone in a bath for more than 14 minutes while struggling to get out.

Perhaps most significant was footage recorded on July 27, 2023, showing Preston struggling to breathe and appearing to be in obvious discomfort. Prosecutors argued that this occurred after assaults earlier that day and before a further assault that caused an obstruction to his airway. Preston was taken to hospital later that evening and was pronounced dead.

The phone evidence was also considered alongside medical findings. A post-mortem examination identified more than 40 traumatic injuries, while medical experts found no evidence supporting the claim that Preston had accidentally drowned in a bath. His cause of death was determined to be acute upper-airway obstruction.

The digital trail ultimately became one part of a much larger body of evidence presented at trial. Jamie Varley was convicted of murder and multiple other offences involving Preston, while John McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of causing or allowing Preston’s death and other offences. Varley received a whole-life order, while McGowan-Fazakerley was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

What makes the phone evidence so significant is that it did not stand alone. Investigators were able to compare the images and videos with medical records, witness accounts, emergency calls and evidence recovered from the home. Together, prosecutors argued, those pieces exposed a pattern of abuse that contradicted the original explanation given for Preston’s death.