Foster mum of 'murdered' baby Preston Davey had 'gut feeling' about his new dads

Foster mum of 'murdered' baby Preston Davey had 'gut feeling' about his new dads Foster mum Sandra Cooper, who looked after Preston Davey when he was a newborn, said she was 'really worried' after the baby left her careNewsRachel Smith and Eliana Nunes News Reporter16:23, 22 Apr 2026Updated 16:36, 22 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesPreston DaveyA foster mum has told a jury she was "really worried" after a baby - who was allegedly sexually assaulted and smothered to death by his adoptive parents - left her care.Thirteen-month-old Preston Davey died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in July 2023 after suffering 40 traumatic injuries over four months while in the care of Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazackerley, prosecutors allege.Mr Varley, 37, is accused of murdering the child, while his partner, Mr McGowan-Fazackerley, 32, is accused of allowing the little boy’s death. Both deny the allegations along with additional charges of cruelty and sexual abuse.On Wednesday, a jury at Preston Crown Court heard evidence from foster carer Sandra Cooper, who looked after Preston from when he was just five days old in June 2022. Mrs Cooper and her husband Paul have been foster parents for 27 years and have cared for 43 babies, Lancashire Live reports.View 2 ImagesJamie Varley, 37 (left) sits in the dock at Preston Crown Court with co-accused John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32(Image: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire)Describing Preston, she said: "He was just beautiful. He was happy, he laughed, he smiled really early - he was a really lovely baby. He loved cuddles, he had really nice eye contact - he was just having a really nice life."In January 2023, care proceedings were finalised and Mrs Cooper was informed that the process of finding Preston a permanent family was underway, the court heard.Mr Varley, a teacher, and his partner Mr McGowan-Fazackerley had already been approved as prospective adoptive parents, and in March 2023 the match was approved, the jur...