A teacher facing allegations of sexually abusing and killing an adopted baby expressed remorse by saying “I’m going to hell” while holding the deceased child, according to court testimony.
Jamie Varley, 37, was captured on video at Preston Crown Court cradling 13-month-old Preston Davey at Blackpool Victoria Hospital’s bereavement room. Varley appeared shocked and blamed himself for leaving the child unattended, claiming he found Preston face down in the bath shortly after. Prosecutors argue that Varley’s version of events is inconsistent with a post-mortem report revealing 40 injuries on the baby.
At the time of Preston’s death, Varley was a high school teacher. He is accused of murdering the child, while his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, faces charges of allowing the death and participating in sexual abuse.
Allegedly, during the four months that Preston was in their care in Blackpool, the baby endured mistreatment, including sexual abuse, physical assault, and the creation of indecent images and videos.
Following an incident of alleged sexual assault by Varley on July 27, 2023, the couple rushed Preston to the hospital unconscious. Despite medical efforts to revive him, the child was pronounced dead at 7.20pm.
Video footage depicted Varley collapsing inside the hospital, expressing guilt and distress over the situation. He repeatedly blamed himself for the tragedy and expressed deep regret for leaving Preston unattended.
The ongoing trial involves Varley denying charges of murder, cruelty to a child, sexual assault, and other related offenses. McGowan-Fazakerley also denies involvement in the child’s death and faces charges of child cruelty and sexual assault.
The court proceedings were adjourned until the following morning.