Teacher Accused of Abusing and Filming Baby He Planned to Adopt
A shocking murder trial has revealed how a teacher allegedly sexually assaulted a 13-month-old baby boy he intended to adopt — and callously recorded the tot’s final moments as he died.
Horrific Abuse Uncovered
Jamie Varley stands accused of routinely mistreating baby Preston Davey. The court heard Varley took indecent pictures and videos of the youngster and even filmed him being spun so fast on a playground ride that his eyes rolled in different directions. Varley also reportedly recorded himself deliberately keeping Preston awake by startling him whenever he began to fall asleep.
Adoptive Partner Ignored Warning Signs
Varley’s partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, is also charged with sexual assault. Prosecutors say he knew about the abuse yet willfully neglected to protect Preston. The tragic toddler was rushed to hospital three times before his death, suffering breathing difficulties, seizures, a nosebleed, and a fractured arm. Hospital staff noticed bruising on Preston’s face, but the defendants claimed explanations that led to his quick recovery.
Tragic Final Days Caught on Film
In July last year, Preston suffered serious internal injuries following an alleged sexual assault by Varley at their Blackpool home. Instead of seeking help, Varley is accused of causing the tot even more harm. A harrowing video recovered from Varley’s phone showed Preston lying in respiratory arrest, his lips blue, unable to breathe. McGowan-Fazakerley was at work that day, leaving Varley as the sole carer. Preston died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital from an acute airway obstruction. The court heard this was caused by smothering or an object inserted into his mouth.
Prosecutor Peter Wright KC said: “The evidence demonstrates that he was murdered by one of the people entrusted with his well-being, one of his proposed adoptive parents, Jamie Varley.” “In the final moments of his short life, he was routinely ill-treated, sexually abused, and physically assaulted.”
Paedo Horror Hidden Behind “Normal Family” Facade
Varley allegedly filmed some abuse and shared the videos with McGowan-Fazakerley, including a 14-minute clip of Preston “slithering and sliding in a bath” while left without help. “These are not happy snaps,” the prosecutor told the court. “They are indecent images.” Preston was born prematurely and placed with foster carers before Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley became his proposed adoptive parents. The pair had been vetted and involved in adoption talks since late 2021. The toddler was assessed as “fit and healthy” during a February 2023 visit. A formal adoption was approved the next month, and Preston moved in with the couple in April 2023.
Accused Deny Charges
- Varley denies murder, sexual assault of a child under 13, grievous bodily harm, multiple child cruelty charges, and creating and distributing indecent images.
- McGowan-Fazakerley denies causing or allowing Preston’s death, child cruelty, and sexual assault.
The trial is ongoing.
