A former secondary school head of year has flatly denied murdering and sexually assaulting a 13-month-old toddler, facing more than 30 serious charges.

Jamie Varley Pleads Not Guilty

Jamie Varley, 36, showed no emotion as he entered pleas of not guilty to all counts during a short hearing at Preston Crown Court via video link from prison.

He is accused of killing 13-month-old Preston Davey, a child he and co-accused John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, were adopting.

Shocking Charges Detailed in Court

The charges include murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, cruelty, grievous bodily harm, and taking and distributing indecent images of the child between March and July 2023.

Varley also denies possession of extreme pornography between 2017 and July 2023. He is jointly charged with McGowan-Fazakerley over one count of sexually assaulting Preston.

McGowan-Fazakerley denies the sexual assault, two counts of cruelty, and allowing the death of a child.

Emotional Moment in Court

Preston’s mother was seen sobbing as the charges were read out. Judge Robert Altham acknowledged her pain, saying:

“I can only imagine how challenging that was for Preston’s mother to hear. I’m sorry, but it does have to be done.”

The hearing lasted around 45 minutes. The case will continue in the coming months.