Blackpool Teacher Charged with Murder, Sexual Assault of Adopted Baby

Jamie Varley, a 36-year-old high school teacher at South Shore Academy in Blackpool, has been charged with the murder, sexual assault, and multiple other offenses involving 13-month-old Preston Davey, a baby boy he was in the process of adopting. Varley's charges include manslaughter, assault by penetration of a child, child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, and possession and distribution of indecent images of a child. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, faces charges of causing and allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault. Preston had been taken into care shortly after birth and placed for adoption before his death in July 2023, occurring just months after he was moved to Blackpool. Varley was suspended from his teaching role immediately upon arrest and remains suspended, with the school trust providing support to staff and pupils affected by the case. Both men appeared in court and were remanded in custody pending further court proceedings.