An Oldham social worker has told a murder trial how she pondered a baby's welfare before his death after visiting the Blackpool home of a couple who adopted him from the town.

Helen Magee visited the home of David Varley and Michael McGowan Fazakerley in July 2023 following the child's third hospital admission. In her written notes, she recorded that the child appeared settled and happy with both fathers, leading her to consider whether there was a problem she could not see. She concluded there was not.

The court heard the baby was taken into care shortly after his birth in Oldham in 2022. He was adopted by Varley and McGowan Fazakerley in April 2023.

On 6 July 2023, Varley took the child to hospital with an elbow injury. Medical staff were told the injury occurred the previous night as the child was being placed into a cot, when he moved suddenly. An X-ray confirmed a fracture, and his arm was placed in a cast.

A social worker who had been in contact with hospital staff sent a message to Varley stating there were no concerns from medics. During a subsequent home visit, she noted the child appeared pale and not himself, and that he attempted to smile but became distressed.

The jury was shown messages sent by Varley on the day of the hospital visit. One read: "Your son's in hospital. I strangled him." Another, sent shortly after, said: "Jokes. Just give me a call when done." Further messages included a comment to a friend: "We did it we think… not on purpose but caught him when falling."

Medical evidence presented to the jury revealed differing accounts of how the injury occurred. An orthopaedic surgeon told the court he had been informed the injury happened while the child was being strapped into a car seat, rather than in a cot.

The court heard Varley had taken time away from his teaching job to care for the child after the adoption, dealing with disrupted sleep and caring responsibilities while his partner worked long hours.

The jury was told that during the four months the child lived with Varley and McGowan Fazakerley, he was allegedly subjected to repeated ill-treatment, including physical and sexual abuse, and that indecent images and videos were allegedly created.

On 27 July 2023, the child was taken to hospital unconscious and in cardiac arrest. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Varley told police the child had drowned accidentally in a bath. However, the prosecution argues this account is inconsistent with medical findings, which indicated the child had suffered multiple traumatic injuries.

Varley denies murder, manslaughter, child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, and sexual offences. McGowan Fazakerley denies causing or allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault. The trial continues at Preston Crown Court.