A recent video has captured the intense moment when Jamie Varley defiantly told the police that he would resist them “to the day I die” when questioned about the horrific crimes he committed against young Preston Davey.
Varley, a 37-year-old teacher from Blackpool, was convicted on Monday for sexually abusing and murdering the 13-month-old, who he and his partner, sales manager John McGowan-Fazakerley, had adopted in 2023. The trial at Preston Crown Court revealed that Varley and his partner were found guilty of sexual assault, child cruelty, and the death of the child, with Varley claiming the baby died in the bath.
In a video shown during the trial, Varley can be seen adamantly stating his intention to fight the police after they accused him of killing the infant. The footage, released by Lancashire Police, depicts Varley seated with crossed arms in a police interview room as an officer questions him. Varley denies the accusations and challenges the officer, asserting his innocence.
Following the trial, the jury concluded that Varley was responsible for Preston’s death, convicting him of murder, assault, child cruelty, and various other offenses. McGowan-Fazakerley was also found guilty of allowing the death of a child and other charges.
Prior to the tragic incident, Varley had taken a year off from his job as a high school head of year to care for Preston. However, evidence presented in court revealed that the child suffered severe abuse during his time with Varley and his partner.
Preston exhibited multiple injuries and suspicious bruising before his passing, which went unexplained. Despite Varley’s claim that the child drowned accidentally, a post-mortem examination revealed numerous injuries consistent with abuse and sexual assault.
Detectives uncovered disturbing evidence, including Varley’s confessions of dark thoughts regarding harming Preston and graphic images and videos of the abuse inflicted on the child. The court also heard that Varley’s actions, captured in recordings, demonstrated the distress and harm inflicted on Preston in the days leading up to his death.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows characterized Varley as manipulative and deceitful, emphasizing his attempts to distort the truth about Preston’s mistreatment. Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley are awaiting sentencing.
Choose Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the news you value.
