Teacher Accused of Murdering Adopted Baby Begs Medics to Save Him

A teacher accused of murdering his adopted baby begged medics don't let him die and said I effing killed him, a court has heard. Jamie Varley, 37, rushed 13-month-old Preston Davey to Blackpool Victoria Hospital unconscious in his arms on the evening of July 27, 2023.

The jury at Preston Crown Court was told that medics worked for nearly an hour to resuscitate the child until a decision was made that further intervention was futile. The baby was pronounced dead at 19:18 BST. Varley is accused of murdering the child, while his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is accused of allowing the baby's death. Both are accused of sexual abuse and child cruelty.

During the four months that Preston was under their adoption at their home in Blackpool, he was allegedly routinely ill-treated, had indecent images and videos taken of him, was sexually abused, and physically assaulted. A post-mortem examination identified 40 injuries on the baby's body. On the day Preston died, paramedic Simon Crabb saw Varley running with a floppy baby in his arms and told him the child was not breathing.

Dr Wendy Aubrey, a senior anaesthetist, testified that she did not see any water in the child's mouth or airways, adding: There was no water in his lungs. I would have expected water in his lungs. She described Varley as very dramatic and chaotic, shouting don't let him die and later trying to continue resuscitation efforts despite the breathing tube being in place. Dr Anthony Kearns, lead consultant in the accident and emergency department, confirmed that the child was completely dry with a nappy appropriately placed.