https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15187353/Teacher-denies-murder-sexual-assault-against-13-month-old-boy-adopting.htmlTeacher denies murder and sexual assault against 13-month-old boy he was adopting
By RICHARD MARSDEN, GENERAL REPORTER
Published: 14:00, 13 October 2025 | Updated: 16:22, 13 October 2025
Teacher denies murder and sexual assault against 13-month-old boy he was adopting
By RICHARD MARSDEN, GENERAL REPORTER
Published: 14:00, 13 October 2025 | Updated: 16:22, 13 October 2025
A former secondary school head of year has denied the murder and sexual assault of a toddler – plus over 30 other charges.
Jamie Varley showed no emotion as he answered pleas of 'not guilty' when each count was put to him.
The 36-year-old is accused of killing 13-month-old Preston Davey, who he and his co-accused, John McGowan-Fazakerley, were in the process of adopting.
Varley appeared at Preston Crown Court for the 45-minute hearing this morning via video link from the city's prison.
McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, appeared at the same hearing by video link from HMP Durham.
Preston's mother sat sobbing in the public gallery of the courtroom as the charges were read.
Judge Robert Altham, Honorary Recorder of Preston said: 'I can only imagine how challenging that was for Preston's mother to hear. I'm sorry, but it does have to be done.'
Varley denies the murder and manslaughter of Preston on July 27, 2023.
