Teacher accused of murdering adopted son says baby was never harmed or abused – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Preston Crown Court – A design and technology teacher accused of murdering his 13-month-old adopted son told jurors he never harmed the child in any way. Jamie Varley, 32, gave evidence this week in the case involving the death of Preston Davey in July 2023. The court has heard allegations of repeated physical, sexual and emotional abuse during the four months the boy lived with Varley and his partner in Blackpool.
Adoption Brought New Challenges
Preston moved in with the couple on April 1, 2023, after an assessment process. Varley described the early weeks as an eye-opener because the baby struggled with sleep and routine. He said he had expected the transition to be straightforward given his own experience, yet it proved more demanding than anticipated.
Varley told the court he had long wanted to become a father and a teacher. Meeting his partner changed his outlook, and he said the bond with Preston developed quickly and strongly. He compared the depth of that attachment to his feelings for the family dog, noting the connection with the child felt even more intense.
Direct Denials on Key Allegations
Under questioning from his barrister, Varley rejected claims that he deliberately blocked the baby’s airway on July 27, 2023. He also denied ever sexually assaulting the child or causing him physical or psychological harm. “Absolutely not, our son has never been sexually abused,” he said when asked about the allegations.
Prosecutors allege the boy suffered 40 traumatic injuries and that some were consistent with forcible penetration. A post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was acute upper airway obstruction, possibly from smothering or an object placed in the mouth. Varley maintained he had never inflicted any of those injuries.
Explanations for Photos and Messages
Varley was asked about images found on his phone, including one showing the baby in an unsafe position in his cot four days before the death. He said the child had fallen asleep in unusual poses before and that he simply took pictures to capture everyday moments. He denied the photos were taken as trophies or mementos of any assault.
The teacher also addressed a text message sent to his sister after a difficult night, in which he referred to the baby as “dead meat.” He described the language as dramatic and typical of how he speaks in social settings, insisting it did not reflect any intent to harm. On images of bruises, he said the baby was learning to crawl and often bumped his head during normal mishaps.
Partner Also Faces Charges
Varley’s partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, is accused of causing or allowing the child’s death and of sexual assault. Both men deny all charges against them. The trial, which has already heard from medical experts describing some injuries as non-accidental, is scheduled to continue on Friday.
Varley said he felt ashamed and disappointed about certain photographs he took, yet he maintained he never meant to cause distress. The jury must now weigh his account against the prosecution’s case built on medical findings and other evidence presented over recent weeks.
