A teacher accused of murdering and sexually abusing a 13-month-old adopted boy has denied using the child as a 'plaything' during court testimony. Jamie Varley, 37, and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, are on trial at Preston Crown Court for the death of Preston Davey, who died in their care in April 2023. Varley denies murder, sexual assault, and making indecent images, while McGowan-Fazakerley denies allowing the death of a child.
Prosecutors allege Varley routinely abused Preston and took indecent images of him. During cross-examination, prosecutor Peter Wright KC accused Varley of treating Preston as a 'plaything' for his 'own amusement and gratification.' Varley repeatedly denied the allegations, stating, 'You are wrong.' The prosecutor suggested Varley sexually abused Preston twice in four days before his death. Varley admitted Preston died in his care but denied any wrongdoing.
Preston was taken to the hospital after suffering a collapse and cardiac arrest, allegedly following a sexual assault by Varley. A post-mortem examination ruled out drowning and found multiple non-accidental injuries, including internal and external bruising consistent with sexual abuse. The cause of death was determined to be acute upper airways obstruction, possibly from smothering or objects inserted into his mouth.
Preston was removed from his birth mother at five days old and placed in foster care before being adopted by Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley in April 2023. The trial continues as prosecutors present evidence against the defendants.