Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley face murder and abuse charges over the baby’s tragic death

A Blackpool secondary school teacher has been charged with the murder and sexual assault of a 13-month-old baby boy he was in the process of adopting. Jamie Varley, 36, appeared at Lancaster magistrates’ court alongside his co-accused, 31-year-old John McGowan-Fazakerley, nearly two years after the child’s tragic death.

The victim, identified as Preston Davey, died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on 27 July 2023. Preston had been placed into care by Oldham Council six days after his birth. Following a period in foster care, a court order allowed his adoption process to begin, and he was moved to Blackpool in April 2023. Less than four months later, he was dead.

During Friday’s brief five-minute hearing, Varley spoke only to confirm his identity. He now faces a litany of charges, including murder, manslaughter, two counts of assault by penetration of a child, five counts of child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault of a child, and multiple child pornography offences.

The pornography charges include 10 counts of taking indecent images of a child, one count of distributing indecent images, two counts of possessing indecent pseudo-images, and one count of possessing extreme pornographic material. The alleged offences span from March to July 2023 and all relate to Preston.

Varley was a head of year at South Shore Academy in Blackpool at the time of his arrest in 2023. School records show he oversaw pupils in Years 9, 10 and 11 during his tenure. Following his arrest, he was immediately suspended while police investigated. South Shore Academy was initially operated by Bright Futures Education Trust, but later transferred to the Cidari Multi Academy Trust.

In a statement, Cidari Trust expressed its sympathy, saying: “Our thoughts are with the family of Preston Davey and all those affected by this case.” The trust confirmed that Varley had been barred from entering school premises or contacting pupils and colleagues since his suspension. Following the charges, the trust is now reviewing Varley’s employment status in consultation with authorities and within legal frameworks.

Co-accused McGowan-Fazakerley faces charges of allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty, and one count of sexual assault of a child. Like Varley, he confirmed his identity in court and was remanded into custody.

Both men are from Grimsargh, near Preston, and will next appear before Preston Crown Court on Monday.

The disturbing case has sent shockwaves through the Blackpool community and beyond. The horrifying allegations have prompted an outpouring of grief and anger, especially as the pair had been entrusted with adopting the vulnerable infant.

Varley’s arrest and suspension last year triggered immediate safeguarding measures at the school. Senior leaders and support staff have been providing emotional assistance to colleagues and pupils since the charges were filed. Authorities are now working to establish how the adoption process allowed the child to be placed into their care.

The case continues to unfold, with prosecutors preparing for what promises to be a harrowing trial involving charges of murder, sexual assault, child cruelty, and extensive child exploitation material.