Full Breakdown
Teacher and Partner on Trial Over Death of Adopted Baby Preston Davey
5/7/2026, 4:56:18 AM
Core Event
Jurors at Preston Crown Court heard police body-worn camera recordings of Jamie Varley, 37, collapsing in Blackpool Victoria Hospital after the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey. Varley, a high-school teacher, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, are charged with murder, sexual abuse and multiple child-cruelty offences. Both defendants continue to deny every charge as the trial proceeds. The hearing follows a four-month adjournment.
Background & Key Figures
Preston Davey, born 16 June 2022, entered Oldham Council care within five days. After an early-2023 assessment, he was adopted on 1 April 2023 by Jamie Varley—a design and technology teacher, head of year at South Shore Academy, and child-protection trained—and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley. Prosecutors allege routine ill-treatment, sexual assault and indecent images during the four-month adoption. The couple renamed the child “Elijah.” Varley’s mother Karen Graham was present at the hospital.
Data & Statistics
A post-mortem found 40 injuries on Preston. Varley is charged with murder, manslaughter, assault by penetration, cruelty to a child, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault and 13 counts of indecent photos or videos, plus one count of distribution. McGowan-Fazakerley faces charges of allowing death, three counts of child cruelty and sexual assault.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutors said Varley’s claim of finding the child “face down” contradicts the medical evidence of multiple injuries. They used the body-camera footage to illustrate his emotional state and alleged concealment. The court has not recorded a formal defence statement; both defendants deny the charges.
Criticism & Opposition
The prosecution noted a stark contrast between Varley’s child-protection training and the alleged abuse, pointing out his claim of leaving the child “for literally two minutes” conflicts with forensic evidence of extensive trauma. They also argued his repeated pleas suggest awareness of culpability.
On-the-Ground Reports
Body-camera footage shows Varley pleading with doctors to “kill me,” repeatedly saying “I’m going to hell,” and expressing disbelief with “It’s not happening. He’s not gone.” He refused to enter the bereavement room, stating “I don’t deserve to see him,” and described himself as “a teacher, I’m head of year, I’m child protection trained.”
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
The trial will continue at Preston Crown Court, with further evidence and witness testimony scheduled before a verdict is delivered.
