Murder Trial Hears Baby Preston Was Left Struggling To Breathe For 90 Minutes

Jurors in the Preston Davey murder trial have heard deeply distressing evidence describing how the 13-month-old boy was allegedly left struggling to breathe for around 90 minutes before being taken to hospital on the night he died.

At Preston Crown Court, child abuse expert Dr Joanne Gifford told the jury she reviewed videos recovered from the phone of murder accused Jamie Varley, filmed shortly before Preston was rushed for emergency treatment.

According to Dr Gifford, the footage showed the toddler suffering what she described as “extreme respiratory distress,” with signs that he urgently required resuscitation.

“Clinically, I watched that and I wanted to resuscitate him immediately,” she told the court. “He looks terminal in that video. There are parts of not breathing. Gasping. I would describe it as agonal gasps.”

One video allegedly showed Preston lying on a bed in a babygrow while struggling to breathe. Another 29-second clip showed him lying on the floor wearing only a nappy.

Prosecutors say despite the child’s critical condition, he was not taken to hospital for another hour and a half.

When Preston finally arrived at hospital on July 27, 2023, emergency medics attempted to save him for nearly an hour, but he could not be revived.

The court also heard evidence from Home Office pathologist Dr Alison Armour, who rejected claims that Preston drowned in a bath. Instead, she concluded the cause of death was acute upper airway obstruction, consistent with deliberate obstruction of the child’s breathing.

Jurors have additionally been told Preston suffered multiple injuries before his death, including bruising and other wounds that experts say were not consistent with accidental harm.

Jamie Varley, 37, denies murder and several charges relating to child cruelty and assault. Co-defendant John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, denies causing or allowing Preston’s death and also denies all other charges against him.

The trial is continuing, with further medical and forensic evidence expected to be presented before the jury in the coming days.