Trigger warning: The article contains details of child abuse and murder. Reader discretion is advised.
A 36-year-old man has been accused of sexually assaulting and killing a 13-month-old boy he wanted to adopt. Jamie Varley, a former high school teacher, appeared in Preston Crown Court on Monday, June 16.
He has been charged with murder, manslaughter, two counts of assault by penetration of a child, five counts of child cruelty, one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm, and one count of sexual assault of a child, as per The Crown Prosecution Service.
Two men have been arrested and charged with murdering and sexually assaulting the little boy they planned to adopt. One man was a high school teacher.
Baby Preston was 13 months old.
Failed by us all, may he rest in peace. https://t.co/Z5xC3HWGxS
— SurrogacyConcern (@SurrogConcern) June 13, 2025
He is also accused of taking indecent pictures of the baby, distributing them, and possessing extreme p-rnographic image.
The case came to light on July 27, 2023 when an “unresponsive” baby boy was brought into Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Lancashire Police were immediately alerted and the baby named Preston Davey was declared dead.
The former teacher was in the process of adopting Preston along with 31-year-old John McGowan-Fazakerley, who is a co-accused in the case. Fazakerley is charged with allowing the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual assault. He also appeared in court along with Varley on Monday.
Both the men lived in Grimsargh, near Preston. The charges against them span between March and July of 2023, all related to the deceased child. Varley worked as a teacher at South Shore Academy, Blackpool. He was suspended from his job when he was arrested on charges of murder and child abuse.
High school teacher, 36, is accused of sexually assaulting and murdering 13-month-old boy he was in the process of adopting with his partner, in Blackpool.
Utterly heartbreaking and despicable beyond belief.https://t.co/pZXg2InGpt
— The Yorkshire Lass (@real_shirelass) June 15, 2025
At the hearing this week, family members of the deceased child were also present. As per the Independent, a woman broke into tears when she saw the alleged killer in court. Judge Robert Altham said, “I gather there are members of Preston’s family here. They are most welcome.”
Chief Crown Prosecutor Suzanne Llewellyn stated, “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized the prosecution of two men in relation to the death of a 13-month-old boy in Blackpool.”
“The Crown Prosecution Service has worked closely with Lancashire Police following a detailed police investigation, to review the available evidence and advise on the appropriate charges. We recognize the profoundly distressing nature of the alleged crimes – however we remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are now active, and they have a right to a fair trial.” she added.
The case will go into trial on April 14, 2026. It is expected to last eight weeks.
The case has drawn significant attention among the locals. It has raised serious concerns about the safety of children, especially because the prime accused worked as a teacher.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7.
