A former high school teacher is facing trial in the UK for allegedly sexually and physically abusing a 13-month-old child he was set to adopt, ultimately leading to the child’s suffocation.
Jamie Burley, 37, and his partner John McGowan Fazakerley, 32, have been charged with the death of Preston Davey in July 2023. Prosecutors described Preston as a “perfectly healthy boy” prior to his placement with the couple, as reported by the BBC.
Preston entered the care of Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley in April 2023 when he was only 10 months old.
Prosecutor Peter Wright stated that the couple, hailing from Blackpool, initially seemed to be in a stable and loving relationship, which likely gave Preston a sense of trust.
Wright grimly noted that they were discovered to be “totally unsuited to the role of adoptive parents,” a fact that became evident when it was “too late” to help Preston.
Preston suffered a cardiac arrest and was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital shortly before his death in late July 2023, mere months after entering their home.
He was pronounced dead within an hour, but an autopsy revealed that his injuries were far more serious than just a heart attack.
The cause of death was classified as acute upper airway obstruction due to asphyxia. According to Wright, the child had 40 injuries in total, which included 30 external wounds and a broken arm.
The prosecutor also noted that bruises found on Preston’s thighs were “consistent with a slap,” while other injuries indicated signs of forceful handling.
Following a swift investigation, authorities took Varley into custody on suspicion of murder.
Reports indicated that on the day Preston died, Varley had taken multiple images and videos of the visibly injured child, who was struggling to breathe.
Another video revealed the unattended child sliding in a bathtub for nearly 15 minutes while Varley remained quiet, recording the scene.
Varley has pleaded not guilty to a wide range of charges, including 13 counts of murder, manslaughter, child sexual assault, and producing indecent photographs and videos of minors.
McGowan-Fazakerley has also denied charges related to neglect and child abuse.
Wright asserted that Varley typically committed the alleged acts against Preston while McGowan-Fazakerley was at work.
