Teacher Accused of Murdering Adopted Baby

A former high school teacher is accused of sexually abusing and murdering an adopted baby boy in a trial at Preston Crown Court. Jamie Varley, 37, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, are facing multiple charges related to the sexual and physical mistreatment of Preston Davey. The couple had been approved for adoption by Adoption Now.

The prosecution alleges that in the four months Preston was in their care, he suffered 40 traumatic injuries, including bruises and grazes on his head, face, mouth, upper limbs, chest, back, and left thigh. A post-mortem examination revealed that Preston's cause of death was acute upper airways obstruction due to smothering.

Sandra Cooper, the foster mother who cared for Preston for the first ten months of his life, testified that she had a 'gut feeling' something was wrong after Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley cancelled or failed to show up at scheduled meetings. She also mentioned they made it difficult for her to attend official contact meetings.

The prosecution claims that Varley had expressed having 'dark thoughts' about the child, including thoughts of drowning him or suffocating him. The court heard that on the day Preston died, Varley recorded a video of the child showing signs of respiratory arrest but did not seek medical help. Both defendants deny all charges.