A court has heard disturbing details in the case of a former teacher who is accused of joking about an adopted baby being “dead meat” before allegedly sexually abusing and causing the child’s death.
Jamie Varley, 37, and John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, adopted 13-month-old Preston Davey in April 2023, as revealed in Preston Crown Court. Tragically, the baby reportedly suffered mistreatment, including being subjected to indecent images and videos, sexual abuse, and physical assaults at the defendants’ residence in Blackpool, resulting in 40 severe injuries.
Preston passed away on July 27, 2023, following a collapse and cardiac arrest, with Varley facing accusations of murder related to a purported sexual assault. Varley denies the murder charge, while his partner denies allegations of child neglect and other offenses.
The court learned that Preston was adopted by Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley in April 2023 after an assessment process. However, Varley expressed struggles with sleep due to the baby’s frequent awakenings in the night just days after the adoption.
Messages revealed Varley’s frustrations with Preston’s behavior, describing the child as “needy” and expressing difficulty in handling the lack of sleep. Despite these challenges, prior caregivers described Preston as a happy and content baby before his adoption.
The trial was adjourned until Wednesday morning as legal proceedings continue in this tragic case.
