Blackpool teacher Jamie Varley denies murdering adopted baby Preston Davey

Jamie Varley, a 37‑year‑old former head of year at a Blackpool secondary school, is on trial at Preston Crown Court for the murder and sexual abuse of his adopted son, 13‑month‑old Preston Davey. Prosecutors allege the child suffered 40 traumatic injuries, including signs of sexual assault and forcible penetration, and that his death was caused by acute upper‑airway obstruction rather than drowning.

Varley has repeatedly denied the accusations, insisting the child was never sexually abused and that he simply left the baby briefly in a shallow bath before discovering him submerged. He claims the post‑mortem findings are “wholly false” and that he was unaware of any injuries. The prosecution, led by Peter Wright KC, challenged his credibility, describing the baby as a “plaything” used for “own amusement and gratification” and highlighting inconsistencies in his testimony about Snapchat videos and photographs taken of the child.

Both Varley and his partner John McGowan‑Fazakerley deny all charges, which include murder, manslaughter, multiple counts of child cruelty and sexual offences. The trial continues as the jury considers extensive forensic evidence and the defendants’ statements.