Preston Crown Court heard the evidence during the ongoing trial of Jamie Varley, 32, who is accused of sexual abuse and murder and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 37, who is accused of allowing the death of a child.

13-month-old Preston Davey died less than four months after being placed with the couple in Blackpool.

Neighbour Jasmine Nuttall provided a statement which was read to the court. 

Ms Nuttall alleges that after the child, who the couple named Elijah, moved in next door on Staining Road, Blackpool, she would hear “raised voices” between the couple and the child crying.

In her statement, she said: “Elijah would cry a lot and to me and my family it was an unusual amount of crying.

“I would often think to myself, ‘Why is the baby crying so much?’”

The court heard how on one occasion she allegedly thought she heard a raised voice say “stop it now” out of frustration, which she thought “a bit short”, jurors heard.

Ms Nuttall described the couple as “ordinary” and “friendly” and had no concerns about them.

Ms Nuttall told the court: “They seemed happy to have him.

“It seemed like a really happy little family.

“The news as to what has happened to Elijah has come as a complete shock to me.”

Her father, Michael Nuttall, also described hearing the child cry frequently.

Mr Nuttall said: “Preston cried a lot.

“In fact, I think a one-year-old shouldn’t cry as much as that.

“The crying was high-pitched and he did seem distressed.”

He said he did not raise his concerns with the couple as he did not want to be an “interfering neighbour.”

Preston Davey was born on June 16, 2022, and taken into care by Oldham Council, and placed with foster parents at five days old.

After an adoption assessment, he moved in with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley in April, 2023.

The prosecution alleges that Preston was repeatedly abused, both physically and sexually, and suffered a total of 40 traumatic injuries.

The jury also heard details of Preston’s first of three visits to Blackpool Victoria Hospital during the four months he lived with the defendants.

On May 25, Varley took him to A&E at around 11.10am.

Paediatric sister Zoe Hellowell told the court: “Jamie had hold of Preston, he was frantic and held him out to me and said, ‘He is not breathing!’”

She described Preston as unresponsive, floppy and breathing ineffectively.

Ms Hellowell also noted bruises on either side of Preston’s forehead. Nurse Holly Edwards referred this to hospital safeguarding which was passed on to Lancashire Police.

A medical report shown to the jury said Preston had “unexplained injuries, inconsistent with a version of events given.”

Dr Ghada Tahraoui in a statement said social services staff had been asked to attend the hospital but following discussion with a medic there did not appear to be any concerns, the court heard.

On July 27, the child was again brought to hospital by the defendants, this time unconscious and in cardiac arrest.

Medical staff were unable to revive him.

Varley allegedly told police that Preston had accidentally drowned in the bath.

However, this account was not supported by the post-mortem examination, which identified 40 separate injuries, the court heard.

Varley denies murder, manslaughter, two counts of assault by penetration, five counts of cruelty to a child, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault of a child, 13 counts of taking indecent photos or videos of a child, one of distributing an indecent photo of a child, to his co-accused, and one of making an indecent photo.

McGowan-Fazakerley denies allowing the death of a child, three counts of child cruelty and one count of the sexual assault of a child.The trial was adjourned until Friday morning.

The trial has been adjourned until Friday morning.

“Brace for more terror attacks,” warns the Sun, as the terror alert is raised to “severe”. The Guardian and the Daily Mirror lead with the prime minister’s visit to Golders Green, where two Jewish men were stabbed on Wednesday. The Guardian says Sir Keir’s vowed to act against protesters “venerating the murder of Jews”. The Mirror quotes him as saying “decent people should open their eyes to Jewish pain and fear.” In its editorial, the Daily Mail says that since entering No 10, Sir Keir has allowed antisemitism to fester, as he tiptoed around upsetting the Muslim vote in key constituencies.

Revelstoke Road children’s home in Sunderland was praised by Ofsted for its “homely atmosphere” and carers’ “exceptional understanding” of the children.

Operated by Together for Children (TfC), the home houses six children with social and emotional needs and is one of nine homes run by TfC, which works in partnership with Sunderland City Council.

Simon Marshall, chief executive of TfC and director of children’s services at Sunderland City Council, said: “It is fantastic to see Revelstoke Road recognised as Outstanding.

“This is testament to the dedication and understanding of the carers, who have created a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and remain fully committed to providing the highest standard of care and this recognition of our carers is well-deserved.”

The outstanding grade was awarded during an inspection in March, with Ofsted noting the positive relationships between children and carers as key to the children’s progress.

The report stated: “Children are thriving in this home.

“They make excellent progress because of the close, positive relationships that they have with staff.

“Children talk about carers fondly and the home is filled with laughter.”

Inspectors highlighted the home’s efforts to help children engage in meaningful education, secure volunteering placements, part-time jobs and college opportunities.

Carers were commended for helping a young person build road safety awareness, enabling them to walk to school independently.

Support for health needs and life-story work was also recognised as important in helping children make sense of their personal histories.

Mark Christie, manager of Revelstoke Road, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the team and the young people who live here.

“We work hard to build reparative relationships with the children, within our therapeutic model and to make sure they are listened to, supported and valued, so it really means a lot to us to see the team’s effort reflected in this latest Ofsted report.”

The system will allow passengers to tap on at a gate or platform validator at the start of their journey and tap off at the end

Translink’s new tap-on/tap-off ticketing system will be rolled out to rail services between late 2027 and early 2028, the Infrastructure Minister has confirmed.

Minister Liz Kimmins was responding to a written question from DUP MLA Peter Martin, who asked her to detail the reason why ticket machines were chosen for the new Translink ticketing option at train stations and not contactless hop-on and hop-off payments.

When rolled out, the new system will operate similarly to London’s Oyster system, where passengers can tap their contactless card or device at the ticket barrier when getting on and off the train, with the best fare calculated for the passenger at the end of the day.

“As part of Translink’s Future Ticketing System project, the introduction of contactless ‘Tap On and Tap Off’ account-based ticketing is planned to commence across the rail network in late 2027 or early 2028,” Minister Kimmins said.

“This system will allow passengers to tap on at a gate or platform validator at the start of their journey and tap off at the end, with fares and any applicable discounts calculated automatically through back-office systems. Gate and platform validator devices have already been installed at rail stations across the network in preparation for this future contactless payment capability.

“Ticket vending machines were installed at rail stations as an interim and complementary measure to ensure that all customers can continue to access rail services prior to the introduction of contactless Tap On and Tap Off payments. Not all passengers are currently able, or may wish, to use contactless payment methods.

“This includes customers entitled to concessionary travel, such as Senior SmartPass holders, yLink card holders and Half Fare SmartPass holders, as well as those who prefer to purchase paper tickets.

“The provision of ticket vending machines, alongside gates and platform validators, enables customers to purchase or validate tickets prior to boarding services. This reduces reliance on on-train ticket sales, supports conductors in carrying out their duties, and helps to ensure that fare revenue is protected to the optimum level across the rail network.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The Friday letters page isn’t sure what to make of the new Resident Evil movie trailer, as a reader tries to work out what Xbox’s next gen plan might be.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Personal best
People have been talking about Rockstar games that aren’t GTA recently and it got me thinking what is actually their best game? I think a lot of people would say GTA 5, at the moment, but since it’s so old I’ve kind of got sick of it and can’t bring myself to play GTA Online anymore.

But if it’s not that then the obvious answer is Red Dead Redemption 2 and I’m afraid to say I don’t really see anything else as being particularly close. L.A. Noire was only ever a novelty, they never worked out what to do in lessons with Bully, and The Warriors wasn’t a particularly good beat ‘em up.

I could see an argument for their table tennis game but, let’s be real, it’s Red Dead Redemption 2 that’s the best thing they’ve ever done. Let’s hope that changes with GTA 6 though or otherwise this long wait will have been for nothing.
Larson

Movie accurate
Great preview of 007 First Light and very glad to hear that it’s looking good, as I’ve found the trailers so far a little underwhelming. GoldenEye 007 may have been a great game but it wasn’t very much like a Bond movie. He doesn’t gun down dozens of people every five minutes and while there was a more than that to the game, it’s still a shooter before anything else.

This game sounds like it’s actually like one of the movies, where you’re doing the same sort of stuff. I particularly like the idea of just wandering around a party and listening in and chatting to people. It might not sound very exciting but it’s the sort of thing you’d see in the films but that most games would leave out or put in a cut scene. Will be keeping a close eye on this from now on.
Coby

Reinventing the wheel
I do agree that relying on remakes is not the way forward for Assassin’s Creed. Ubisoft are obviously trying to copy Capcom, but the thing is the old Resident Evil games, even 4, are almost unplayable nowadays with their clunky controls and retro graphics. Nobody but a hardcore fan is going to pick up 2 on the PlayStation and play it nowadays, so it needed a remake.

But Black Flag still looks fine for an Xbox 360 and while the new version will look better it’s not suddenly going to make an outdated game playable again.

It’ll probably sell anyway, because nostalgia, but for me it’s a distraction from making the next game better. Shadows was fine but it was the setting and graphics that sold it. I don’t see anyone getting excited about witch trials in Germany like they did about being a ninja in Japan.
Schnorbitz

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Evil in residence
I’ve seen a lot of negative responses to the Resident Evil movie trailer, but I think this breakdown by the director explains things pretty well. He basically says that he’s trying to get across the style of the game, rather than repeating any of the stories.

So you’ve got a third person camera that acts like a game, lots of sorting through drawers, and always hunting for keys and ammunition and health. So the film is doing all the things the games do but this time the hero is just a regular guy who isn’t a combat pro or anything.

I’m not saying it’s going to work, or that it’s the best way to go, but it’s got to be a better approach than the terrible last one, which was the closest one of the films has been to the games. I’d much rather it be a good film than an authentic one, especially after having seen the latest Mario.
Zeiss

A Link to the cinema
Hey, here’s food for thought and I know I’m getting a little ahead of myself right now.

The Legend of Zelda movie will be out in the not too distant future. Let’s assume that there is likely to be a sequel. Only a few Legend of Zelda titles have used the same Link as the main character, hence the legend.

If a sequel is made are they going to use the same cast or stay true to the games by having a completely different blonde-haired boy?

I told you I was getting ahead of myself.
freeway 77

GC: Clearly the answer is to choose someone with pink hair.

Things can only get worse
I know they weren’t expecting anything better, but those Xbox sales results are just tragic. They’re so bad I don’t understand how it could ever be turned round. I get Microsoft is mega rich and nothing that happens with Xbox is ever going to be more than pocket change to them but what is the long term plan here?

No one’s going to buy a Project Helix, we can put that ridiculous idea to bed right now. Unless it’s half the price of PlayStation 5, but it sounds like I’ll be more like twice. They’re not making enough money from selling games, even on PlayStation 5 – although they can’t seem to get their act together on that anyway, and have things like Forza Horizon 6 come out at the same time.

So I think the theory of just sitting there waiting until video game streaming becomes big is probably the best explanation, but good luck with that. Maybe it’ll work, maybe it won’t but if there’s one thing we know Microsoft isn’t very good at it’s predicting the future.

Ultimately it doesn’t matter, since Xbox is basically irrelevant now, and to be honest, if they did give up on gaming, we’d only get someone even worse come in a try and take their place. The damage they’d done with buying up so many companies is awful but I’m sure it could be even worse.
Cranston

Multiple problems
Maybe I’m a bit slow but I don’t get why everyone is moaning about Sony and DRM. As far as I can tell it’s so they can check that you have a right to play that game if you have download it.

It means you have got broadband in order to download it, so I can’t see the problem. As a download you haven’t bought the game, you have bought the right to play the game. So what’s the problem?
David

GC: It took days for Sony to explain what it was for, leaving people to guess. Also, sometimes your broadband, or PS Plus, goes down.

Don’t miss Gaming news! Add us as a Preferred Source

As a loyal GameCentral reader, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for gaming stories. We have all the latest video games news, reviews, previews, and interviews, with a vibrant community of highly engaged readers.

Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.

Advertisement

Add us as a Preferred Source

Indirect adaptation
So that Resident Evil movie trailer was very interesting. Zach Cregger is a great filmmaker, so I don’t think there’s any doubt this is going to be the best made video game movie ever. Although the situation’s so bad I don’t even know what would be the second best, at least until Elden Ring appears.

The very obvious problem is that there’s absolutely nothing in the trailer that makes it obvious it’s Resident Evil. If it didn’t say the name I doubt anybody would make the connection. Maybe there are some Lickers or Hunters hiding just off-screen but I get the feeling there aren’t and that the monsters are all original.

If this was a game and that was the case I’d be all for it but for a film it does start to stray into ‘What is the point?’ territory. If nothing about the film is like the games, except maybe some zombies, should it even be called Resident Evil?

But… what if the secret of making a good video game movie is to make it have very little in common with the games beyond the general concept/atmosphere. Cregger can make whatever he wants and if it’s good that would be a hell of a lot better than anything else before it. Then just slap the Resident Evil name on and he can say it was inspired by the games, while only having the most basic of similarities.

I’ll watch it because I like his previous stuff and I like Resident Evil, but I can see a lot of super fans getting upset about it because it’s not just a nostalgia fest.
Focus

Inbox also-rans
That Invincible VS game sounds a bit disappointing. Can I ask whether Damien Darkblood is in it as a playable character?
Keyts

GC: Sadly not.

Someone took the innards out of a Switch 2 cartridge and sold the empty plastic shell? That is so much effort to rip someone off for a few pounds. People are the worst.
Jsper

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

MORE: Games Inbox: Will Marvel’s Wolverine be as good as Spider-Man 2?

MORE: Games Inbox: Is buying a video game day one a good idea?

MORE: Games Inbox: What new characters will be in the next Smash Bros.?

Happy Rooms will be hosted at Middlesbrough Town Hall from July 27 to August 30, featuring 12 immersive, artist-designed rooms that explore happiness through colour, creativity and play.

The event, designed to spark imagination and fun in visitors of all ages, will include a mix of returning favourites and new spaces.

It will feature 12 immersive, artist-designed rooms that explore happiness through colour, creativity and play (Image: Dave Charnley Stella)

Rachel Willis and Lyndsey Stephenson, directors of Teesside-based Stellar Creates, are behind the project.

Ms Willis said: “This year brings a perfect mix of returning favourites and brand-new rooms, designed to surprise and delight visitors of all ages.”

Lyndsey Stephenson said the event aims to capture what happiness really means, adding: “Happy Rooms delves into the essence of happiness.

“We want visitors to celebrate play, the great outdoors, colour, family, rest and relaxation this Summer.”

Quiet and relaxed sessions will also be available daily (Image: Dave Charnley Stella)

Happy Rooms will be open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 5pm, with entry every 15 minutes and the last admission at 3.30pm.

READ MORE: Prolific paedophile pensioner searched for pictures of ‘boys in Speedos’ online
READ MORE: Dozen football fans arrested in police crackdown after Boro v Millwall disorder
READ MORE: ‘Vulnerable’ woman found with suspected hypothermia in rural County Durham

The experience lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

Quiet and relaxed sessions will also be available daily at 9.30am and 9.45am.

Tickets are £6.50 for children and £8.50 for adults, with family bundles and off-peak discounts available.

To book, visit: www.happyrooms.co.uk

North Yorkshire Police is on the scene on the A59 at Whixley, near Knaresborough, on Thursday afternoon (April 30).

Motorists are facing delays with people urged to avoid the area, the force said.

“We are working to recover the vehicles and get the road fully open as soon as possible,” a police spokesperson said.

“There will be delays in the area at this time.”

Jenny Gilruth, SNP candidate for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, said: “The SNP has transformed childcare in Scotland – providing 1,140 hours of free, high-quality early learning and childcare, worth around £6,000 to families every year. But we have heard from families across Scotland who need more support.

The group warns the current system is “outdated, increasingly unaffordable, and too rigid” — piling pressure on public finances as the population ages.

At the centre of the proposals is a dramatic shift away from the traditional pension model.

Instead, the think tank wants a new “lifespan fund” – allowing people to build up state-backed support not just through work, but also caring responsibilities and education.

That support could then be used during key moments in life – including unemployment, retraining or caring for family.

Tom Smith, director of economic policy at the Tony Blair Institute, said: “Britain’s state pension system was built for a different era.”

He added: “We can’t keep pouring money into a system that is increasingly unaffordable.”

Triple lock ‘cannot continue’

The report takes direct aim at the triple lock — the policy that guarantees the state pension rises each year by the highest of earnings, inflation or 2.5%.

Smith said: “Pension spending must be contained, and that means the triple lock cannot continue after the next election.”

He added: “Ending it will require political leadership from all parties — but that should only be the first step.”

A £66bn warning

The intervention comes amid stark projections about the future cost of pensions.

The report warns that the number of pensioners is set to surge from 12.6 million today to nearly 19 million by 2070.

At the same time, spending on the state pension could rise sharply – from around 5% of GDP to 7.8%, putting pressure on taxes and public services.

By contrast, the proposed new system could limit spending to around 5.5% – potentially avoiding £66 billion a year in extra costs by 2070.

‘Real freedom’ but with a catch

Under the plans, people would be able to dip into their pension pot earlier in life but would later repay it through higher National Insurance contributions.

Smith said: “TBI’s proposed Lifespan Fund offers that better alternative.”

He added: “It gives people real freedom to use support earlier in life… and to top it back up before retiring on their own terms.”

Big political battle ahead

The think tank is urging cross-party talks to push through reforms before the next election – setting the stage for a major political debate over the future of pensions.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Age UK firmly believes that the Triple Lock should be retained into the next Parliament.

“Over time this policy has rebuilt the value of the State Pension, helping to improve the living standards of some of our poorest pensioners.

Recommended reading:

“Today, we continue to hear from older people who are struggling financially, and the extra money the Triple Lock delivers makes a meaningful difference to many lives.

“In new polling, 3 in 10 pensioners say they are struggling financially – even before the worrying rise in energy prices.

“Going forward, we need a national debate to determine the purpose and appropriate value of the State Pension as, at present, it is set too low to provide those reliant on it with a decent standard of living throughout their later lives.”

What do you think about these proposals to replace the triple lock? Let us know in the comments.