Trial hears former teacher admitted to killing adopted baby

A former teacher, Jamie Varley, is on trial accused of sexually abusing and killing his adopted 13-month-old baby, Preston Davey.

The trial at Preston Crown Court revealed that the baby suffered 40 traumatic injuries before dying in hospital on 27 July 2023.

Varley and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley adopted Preston in April 2023.

The court heard that the infant was routinely ill-treated at their home in Blackpool during the nearly four months following the adoption.

Jamie Varley admitted in text messages to family and friends that he had "murdered" the baby and described him as "dead meat" in the weeks before Preston's death.

Varley also expressed struggles with the baby's constant waking and lack of sleep.

The case is significant due to the serious allegations of child abuse and the death of a young child shortly after adoption.

It raises concerns about the welfare and protection of vulnerable children in adoptive care.

Preston had been in foster care for 10 months after being taken into care by Oldham Council shortly after birth.

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