Teacher And Partner Charged With Abuse And Murder Of 13-Month-Old Adoptive Baby

A 36-year-old teacher, Jamie Varley, has appeared in court charged with the horrific abuse and murder of a 13-month-old baby boy, Preston Davey, whom he was in the process of adopting.

Varley is facing an array of serious charges, including murder, manslaughter, assault by penetration of a child, sexual assault, grievous bodily harm, and multiple counts of child cruelty. He is also accused of taking, distributing, and possessing indecent images of children, including pseudo and extreme pornographic content.

The case was heard briefly at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, June 13. Varley, appearing for a five-minute hearing, spoke only to confirm his identity as the charges were read. District Judge Richard Thompson addressed him directly, stating:

“You are charged with a number of offences: the murder of Preston Davey, manslaughter, assault by penetration, a number of sexual assaults, grievous bodily harm, and also the possession, taking, and distribution of indecent and extreme images. You know what all the charges are and you understand them?”

Varley simply nodded in response and was remanded into custody.

His partner and co-defendant, 31-year-old John McGowan-Fazakerley, was also brought into the dock. He is charged with allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty, and one count of sexual assault of a child. Wearing jeans and a sweatshirt decorated with owl and moon motifs, McGowan-Fazakerley also confirmed his identity before being remanded into custody.

The alleged offences took place between March and July 2023 and all relate to the toddler, Preston Davey. The investigation began on July 27, 2023, when emergency services were called to Blackpool Victoria Hospital at 7:15 p.m. after Preston was brought in unresponsive. He was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

At the time of his arrest in 2023, Varley was working as a teacher at South Shore Academy in Blackpool. He has since been suspended, according to a statement from the Cidari Multi-Academy Trust, which now oversees the school.

Both men, who were living together in Grimsargh near Preston, are due to appear at Preston Crown Court on Monday, June 16.