Trial Set for Former Teacher Charged with Murder and Abuse
A former high school teacher, facing serious charges connected to the death of a 13-month-old boy and sexual assault allegations from 2023, has had his next trial date scheduled. He will be tried alongside another suspect with similar accusations regarding the child’s death.
One of the accused, Jamie Burley, 36, previously held a significant position at a school in Blackpool. He faces multiple charges including assault, child abuse, and the creation and distribution of explicit images involving the deceased child, Preston Davy.
Varley, aged 31 and reportedly Burley’s partner, along with co-defendant John McGowan-Fazakerley, also 31, were allegedly involved in the recruitment of Preston during these offenses. Both men appeared in court recently, almost two years after police were alerted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where the child sadly passed away from his injuries on July 27, 2023.
The investigation into his care began that very evening when he was found unresponsive. As per reports, Preston had entered the care of Oldham Council just six days after his birth. After a brief foster care period, a court approved his adoption, moving him to Blackpool on April 3, 2023, though tragically, he died shortly thereafter.
During a brief five-minute court hearing, Varley only confirmed his identity. He now faces serious charges, including one count of manslaughter, multiple counts of assault against a child, and several charges related to the creation of indecent images.
At the time of his arrest, Varley was teaching at South Shore Academy in Blackpool, where he had served as head of the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades. Following the police investigation, he mentioned that, well, his time at the school was effectively over. The school expressed its condolences, stating their thoughts were with Preston’s family and reaffirming that Varley would not be allowed on school grounds or in contact with students.
McGowan-Fazakerley was charged with allowing the death of a child, and like Varley, faced multiple charges during the hearing. Both defendants appeared at Preston Crown Court, with families of the victim present to witness the proceedings. Their emotions were palpable as they observed the two men, who seemed to be in distress as they entered the courtroom.
Judge Robert Altham noted the presence of the victim’s relatives at the hearing and welcomed them. The joint trial for both men is set to start on April 14, 2026, and could last up to eight weeks. Both remain in custody as the legal process unfolds.
Suzanne Llewellin, the UK’s chief general prosecutor for Northwest CPS, commented on the indictment, stating the serious nature of the charges and affirming the collaborative efforts of the prosecution following a thorough investigation into the tragic death of the toddler.
