A homosexual teacher and his partner are charged with brutally raping and murdering a 13-month-old baby boy they were in the process of adopting, in a case that has shocked England and renewed debate over adoption policies.
Key Takeaways
- Jamie Varley, 36, a high school teacher, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, face charges including murder and sexual assault of 13-month-old Preston Davey.
- The baby died shortly after being brought to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on July 27, 2023, following what investigators describe as brutal abuse.
- Additional charges against Varley include possession of indecent photographs of children and extreme pornographic images.
- The case has reignited controversy surrounding adoption policies in the UK, where same-sex couples are permitted to adopt children.
- Social science research cited in relation to the case highlights concerns about children’s need for both maternal and paternal influence in development.
Horrific Allegations Against Would-Be Adoptive Parents
In a case that has sent shockwaves through England’s child welfare system, Jamie Varley, 36, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, have been charged with the brutal abuse, sexual assault, and murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey. Varley, who worked as a teacher at South Shore Academy in Blackpool, faces a litany of charges including murder, manslaughter, sexual assault of a child, child cruelty, and inflicting grievous bodily harm. The severity of the charges has prompted immediate action from authorities, with Varley being suspended from his teaching position pending review by the Cidari Multi Academy Trust.
McGowan-Fazakerley, Varley’s partner, has been charged with allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault. The tragic incident came to light on July 27, 2023, when the baby was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Despite medical intervention, the child succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The case was heard at Preston Crown Court, where members of the baby’s biological family were present to witness the proceedings against the men who had been in the process of adopting the infant when the alleged crimes occurred.
“The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized the prosecution of two men in relation to the death of a 13-month-old boy in Blackpool,” said Chief Crown Prosecutor Suzanne Llewellyn
"Judge who gave Sara Sharif back to abusive father was criticised over previous conduct
Judge Alison Raeside can now be named after press overturns a gag order
The judge who gave Sara Sharif back to her violent and abusive father was previously accused of serious failings in…
— Ronni Nicole #KPSS (@RonniNicole1) January 31, 2025
Disturbing Evidence and Additional Charges
The Crown Prosecution Service’s investigation has uncovered particularly disturbing evidence against Varley. Beyond the charges directly related to the child’s death, he also faces accusations of taking, distributing, and possessing indecent photographs of children, as well as possession of extreme pornographic imagery. These additional charges paint a troubling picture of predatory behavior that extended beyond the physical abuse of the infant. The Lancashire Police conducted a detailed investigation, working closely with prosecutors to build the case against both men.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Suzanne Llewellyn acknowledged the profoundly distressing nature of the case while emphasizing the legal process must continue properly. “The Crown Prosecution Service has worked closely with Lancashire Police following a detailed police investigation, to review the available evidence and advise on the appropriate charges. We recognise the profoundly distressing nature of the alleged crimes – however we remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are now active, and they have a right to a fair trial,” stated Llewellyn.
Controversy Over Adoption Policies
The case has inevitably sparked renewed controversy regarding the United Kingdom’s adoption policies, which permit single individuals and unmarried couples, including homosexuals, to adopt children. Critics of these policies point to social science literature emphasizing the developmental benefits children receive from having both maternal and paternal influences in their upbringing. The tragic circumstances surrounding baby Preston’s death have amplified concerns about evaluation procedures for prospective adoptive parents and whether sufficient safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable children.
This case joins a troubling pattern of similar incidents that have raised serious questions about the adequacy of background checks and psychological evaluations in the adoption process. While adoption agencies maintain that their screening processes are rigorous regardless of a couple’s sexual orientation, this horrific case demonstrates that dangerous individuals can sometimes slip through the system with devastating consequences. For conservatives who have long advocated for traditional family structures in adoption, this tragedy represents a heartbreaking validation of their concerns about prioritizing adult desires over children’s welfare and safety.
The Path Forward
As the legal proceedings against Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley continue, child welfare advocates are calling for a thorough review of adoption policies and procedures. The case has become a focal point for discussions about how society can better protect its most vulnerable members from those who would abuse positions of trust. For the biological family of Preston Davey, who witnessed the court proceedings, justice for their lost child remains the primary concern. The case serves as a stark reminder of the paramount importance of putting children’s safety and well-being at the center of all adoption and fostering decisions.
