A disturbing new video has captured the moment Jamie Varley defiantly declared to police that he would resist them “until the end of my life” when questioned about the dreadful offenses he committed against the young Preston Davey.
Varley, a 37-year-old teacher from Blackpool, was convicted earlier this week of sexually assaulting and murdering the 13-month-old child, whom he and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, had adopted in 2023. Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, they were found guilty of sexual abuse, child neglect, and causing the death of a child. Varley, described as a “manipulator,” alleged that the infant died accidentally in the bathtub.
Footage presented in court captured Varley’s confrontation with the police during an interview, where he adamantly opposed their insinuation that he was responsible for the child’s death.
During the trial, jurors determined that Varley was responsible for Preston’s death, convicting him of murder, multiple counts of child abuse, including sexual assault, and taking indecent images and videos of a child. McGowan-Fazakerley was also found guilty of negligence leading to the child’s death, child cruelty, and sexual assault.
Varley had taken a break from his role as a high school head of year to care for Preston, who was only nine months old when placed under their guardianship. Reports revealed that Preston suffered extensive abuse while under Varley and his partner’s care, resulting in 40 severe injuries.
Despite being taken to the hospital multiple times with suspicious injuries, Preston’s abuse was overlooked until his final visit to the hospital on July 27, 2023, where he tragically passed away.
Medical examinations postmortem revealed numerous injuries on Preston, including bruising, bite marks, and signs of sexual abuse. The cause of death was determined to be obstruction of the upper airways by foreign objects.
During the investigation, evidence emerged indicating Varley’s admission to having violent thoughts about harming Preston. Additionally, distressing images and videos of the child’s abuse were found, portraying the extent of the horrific mistreatment suffered by Preston.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows described Varley as a manipulative and deceitful individual who fabricated lies to conceal his atrocities against Preston. Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley are set to receive their sentencing on Thursday.
