A Lancashire court has delivered a guilty verdict against schoolteacher Jamie Varley, who was accused of murdering and sexually abusing a 13-month-old baby he adopted with his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley.
The prosecution alleged that Preston Davey, the adopted baby, died as a result of acute upper airways obstruction, likely caused by smothering or an object being inserted into his mouth.
During an eight-week trial, the court heard that Varley had a history of deceit, with the senior investigating officer describing him as 'a serial manipulator and a serial liar'. The defence team had denied the charges, but the jury delivered a guilty verdict against Varley.
Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, a financial sales manager, was also found guilty of allowing the death of a child. The trial highlighted a disturbing four-month period during which the baby was subjected to 'routinely ill-treated, sexually abused and physically assaulted'.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust safeguarding measures and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children.