Anne Whyte KC represents John McGowan-Fazakerley in proceedings before Preston Crown Court arising from the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey.
Mr McGowan-Fazakerley is jointly charged alongside his partner, Jamie Varley, in relation to the death of the child and a series of alleged offences arising from his care following placement with the couple for adoption.
Mr Varley, the first defendant and a secondary school teacher, is charged with murder and multiple related offences. Mr McGowan-Fazakerley faces charges of causing or allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and an allegation of sexual assault.
It is the prosecution’s case that the child suffered sustained ill-treatment whilst in the care of the defendants, ultimately leading to his death in July 2023. The defendants deny the allegations in full.
The trial continues.
Anne Whyte KC is instructed by Correna Platt of Stephensons, Wigan.
The case has been widely reported in national press:
Anne Whyte KC