A teacher facing allegations of sexual abuse and the death of an adopted infant was captured on video expressing remorse and self-blame. Jamie Varley, aged 37, was filmed at Preston Crown Court holding the lifeless 13-month-old, Preston Davey, in the bereavement room at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. In the footage shown to the jury, Varley appeared distraught, attributing fault to himself for the tragic incident in which Preston was found unresponsive in the bath. Prosecutors argue that Varley’s version of events is inconsistent, particularly after an autopsy revealed the baby had sustained 40 injuries.
At the time of Preston’s demise, Varley was employed as a high school teacher. He stands accused of the child’s murder, while his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, aged 32, faces charges related to allowing the death and alleged involvement in the sexual abuse. Reports suggest that during the four-month adoption period at their Blackpool residence, the baby suffered mistreatment, including physical and sexual abuse, along with the production of indecent images and videos.
Following an alleged final assault by Varley on July 27, 2023, the couple rushed Preston to the hospital, where resuscitation efforts proved unsuccessful, and the infant was pronounced dead. Varley was seen in the footage collapsing inside the hospital, expressing deep regret and stating that he believed he was destined for hell. Despite efforts to console him, Varley continued to blame himself for the tragedy, expressing fear of legal consequences.
Preston, born on June 16, 2022, had been in foster care before being adopted by Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley in early 2023. Varley, who had taken a leave from his teaching duties to care for the child, denies the charges against him, including murder, assault, cruelty, and sexual offenses. McGowan-Fazakerley also denies the accusations leveled against him. The trial has been adjourned until Thursday morning.
