A teacher accused of murdering his adopted baby has told a jury he never harmed or sexually abused the child, as he gave emotional evidence in his defence. Jamie Varley, 37, denied deliberately blocking the airway of 13-month-old Preston Davey, and rejected claims he sexually assaulted or wilfully injured the boy.
Varley and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, both deny all charges relating to Preston, who was adopted by the couple in April 2023 and died four months later. A post-mortem examination found 40 traumatic injuries on the child, and prosecutors allege he was routinely ill-treated, sexually abused and physically assaulted.
Giving evidence at Preston Crown Court, Varley admitted feeling 'disappointed' and 'really ashamed' about some images on his phone, but denied they were 'trophies' of sexual abuse. He broke down as videos and photographs of the baby were shown in court, including images of bruises on Preston's forehead and a photo of the child in a paddling pool that a pathologist said showed a human bite mark.
Asked about a series of photos taken four days before Preston's death, showing the child with his neck resting on the bar of his cot in what was described as a 'dangerous' position, Varley said the baby had previously slept in 'funny positions' and he had taken the images without realising they were inappropriate. He insisted he felt the child was safe.
Varley also addressed a text he sent to his sister saying 'he's dead meat' after a sleepless night, explaining he was 'dramatic' and 'sassy' in social settings. He said he had bonded with Preston more than expected, adding that he loved the child more than his dog, Max. The trial continues.
