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Sexual abuse

Man Accused of Murdering 13-Month-Old Adopted Son Appears in Court

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Jamie Varley, a 36-year-old former high school teacher, was accused of the sexual assault and murder of his adopted 13-month-old son, Preston Davey. Varley, alongside co-accused John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, appeared in Lancaster Magistrates' Court, where they were remanded into custody until their next hearing at Preston Crown Court. The charges against Varley include multiple counts of assault, cruelty, and indecent images related to the baby. McGowan-Fazakerley was charged with allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault of a child.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jamie Varley, a 36-year-old former high school teacher, is accused of murdering his 13-month-old adopted son, Preston Davey, and multiple counts of assault, cruelty, and indecent images.
  • Varley's co-accused, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, is charged with allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault of a child.
  • The charges against both men relate to events spanning March to July 2023.
  • Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were remanded into custody until their next hearing at Preston Crown Court on Monday.
  • The police investigation began after officers were called to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on July 27, 2023, where Preston Davey was pronounced dead.
  • Preston Davey was being adopted by Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley at the time of his death.

Statistics:

  • 13 months old: The age of Preston Davey at the time of his death.
  • 36 years old: The age of Jamie Varley at the time of his arrest.
  • 31 years old: The age of John McGowan-Fazakerley at the time of his arrest.
  • July 27, 2023: The date on which Preston Davey was pronounced dead at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
  • March to July 2023: The time period during which the alleged offenses took place.
  • 10 counts: The number of charges against Varley for taking indecent photographs of a child.
  • 1 count: The number of charge against Varley for distributing indecent photographs of a child.

Sources:

  • PA Archive
  • District Judge Richard Thompson

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