A teacher accused of murdering his adopted baby has told a jury he never harmed or sexually abused the child. Jamie Varley, 37, became emotional as he denied the murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey at Preston Crown Court.
Denials and Shame
Varley denied taking photos or videos as "trophies" of sexual abuse but said he felt "disappointed" and "really ashamed" at some images on his phone. He is accused, along with his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, of routinely sexually, physically, and emotionally abusing the baby they adopted in April 2023. Both men deny all charges.
Defence Evidence
In the fourth week of the trial, Varley gave evidence for the first time. His voice broke as videos and photos of Preston were shown. Asked by his barrister Nick Johnson KC if he killed Preston by deliberately blocking his airway on July 27, 2023, Varley replied: "No, I did not." He also denied sexual assault and wilful harm, stating: "Absolutely not, our son has never been sexually abused."
Adoption and Bonding
Varley, a design and technology teacher and head of year at a local high school, said he always wanted to be a father. He described meeting his partner as life-changing. The adoption process was challenging, as Preston was not a good sleeper. Varley admitted sending a text saying "He's dead meat" after a sleepless night but claimed it was just dramatic language.
Despite initial doubts, Varley said he bonded with Preston quickly, loving him more than his dog. He denied deliberately bruising the baby, attributing marks to normal crawling mishaps.
Photographs and Allegations
Mr Johnson asked about a photo of Preston playing naked in a paddling pool, which a pathologist said showed a mark resembling a human bite. Varley denied biting the child. He also denied that photos of Preston in his cot, taken four days before his death, were trophies of a sexual encounter. He said he wanted to capture every part of his son's life and felt ashamed for not recognising the inappropriate position.
Death and Injuries
On July 27, 2023, Preston was rushed to hospital after a collapse and cardiac arrest, allegedly following a sexual assault by Varley. A post-mortem found multiple non-accidental injuries and ruled the cause of death as acute upper airways obstruction by smothering or objects inserted into his mouth. The jury heard some injuries suggested forcible penetration and clinical signs of sexual abuse.
Charges
Varley denies murder, manslaughter, two counts of assault by penetration, five counts of child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault of a child, 13 counts of taking indecent images, one of distributing an indecent photo, and one of making an indecent photo. McGowan-Fazakerley denies allowing the death of a child, three counts of child cruelty, and one count of sexual assault. The trial was adjourned until Friday.
