A former teacher and his homosexual partner, a financial sales manager, have been convicted at Preston Crown Court, Lancashire, of murdering and sexually abusing a toddler they were in the process of adopting.
Jamie Varley, 37, was found guilty of murder, two counts of assault by penetration, multiple counts of child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, and offences involving indecent images.
John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault.
The victim was born on June 16, 2022, at Wythenshawe Hospital in Greater Manchester. Five days later, social services placed him with foster carers under an emergency order. His mother had a long criminal record, including a murder conviction in 1998.
Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved as prospective adopters in January 2023, and the boy moved into their home in April 2023.
Prosecutors said the child was subjected to sustained abuse almost immediately after his placement. Medical evidence showed he suffered sexual abuse and approximately 40 separate injuries. His death was ultimately attributed to acute upper-airway obstruction.
Despite multiple hospital visits for unexplained bruising and other injuries, child-protection authorities did not remove Preston from the home.
On July 27, 2023, Varley brought Preston to Blackpool Victoria Hospital unresponsive, claiming he had drowned in a bath. A post-mortem examination found that account inconsistent with the medical evidence.
Picture: Lancashire Police, #newsGsvmdbggef en.news