Jamie Varley, 37, a former high school teacher, is currently on trial at Preston Crown Court. He is accused of sexually abusing and murdering Preston Davey, a 13-month-old baby whom he and his partner had adopted in Blackpool.
The prosecution alleges that Preston suffered 40 injuries and endured ongoing abuse and neglect during the four months he was in the care of the couple.
Disturbing court footage shown to jurors captured Varley in a state of grief and apparent guilt at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where the baby was pronounced dead on 27 July 2023. Holding the lifeless child, Varley said, “I’m going to hell,” and blamed himself for leaving Preston unattended in a bath. However, his account conflicts with forensic evidence presented during the trial.
Alongside Varley, 32-year-old John McGowan-Fazakerley faces charges including allowing Preston’s death and sexual abuse. Both men deny all allegations made against them.
Prosecutors state that the child endured repeated mistreatment and abuse, which included indecent filming and physical assault, during his time living with the couple.
Footage from the trial reveals Varley’s emotional breakdown, as he repeatedly pleads, “It’s my fault,” expressing despair after medics failed to revive Preston. He is seen clutching the baby in the hospital’s bereavement room, struggling to come to terms with the death, while McGowan-Fazakerley offers support.
Preston was born in June 2022 and was placed into care shortly after birth. Following an assessment process, he began living with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley in April 2023.
Varley, who took a year off from teaching to care for Preston, told the court he struggled with the demands of looking after a baby who frequently woke at night.
Varley faces multiple charges, including murder, manslaughter, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault, and child cruelty. McGowan-Fazakerley denies charges of allowing a child’s death, cruelty, and sexual assault.
The trial is ongoing at Preston Crown Court.
Originally published by UKNIP.
