A high school teacher and his partner face murder and sexual abuse charges in the horrific death of a 13-month-old boy they were attempting to adopt, igniting fierce debate about same-sex adoption policies in the UK.
Key Takeaways
- Jamie Varley, 36, and partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, have been charged in connection with the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey who died after being admitted to a hospital in July 2023.
- Varley, a high school teacher, faces charges including murder, sexual assault of a child, and possession of indecent images of children.
- McGowan-Fazakerley is charged with allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault.
- The case has reignited controversy around adoption policies in the UK, where single individuals and unmarried couples, including homosexuals, can legally adopt children.
- Social science research suggesting children benefit from having both a mother and father has been highlighted in discussions about the case.
Details of the Horrific Case
The tragic case emerged on July 27, 2023, when 13-month-old Preston Davey was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where he died shortly after arrival. Following a detailed investigation by Lancashire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized charges against Jamie Varley, 36, and John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, who were in the process of adopting the toddler. The severity of the charges has sent shockwaves through the Blackpool community and beyond, raising serious questions about the adoption vetting process in the United Kingdom.
Varley, who worked as a teacher at South Shore Academy in Blackpool, faces a disturbing array of charges including murder, manslaughter, assault by penetration of a child, child cruelty, inflicting grievous bodily harm, and sexual assault of a child. Additional charges against him include taking, distributing, and possessing indecent photographs of a child, and possession of extreme pornographic images. His teaching position has been suspended pending review by the Cidari Multi Academy Trust.
“The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized the prosecution of two men in relation to the death of a 13-month-old boy in Blackpool,” stated Chief Crown Prosecutor Suzanne Llewellyn.
McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, has been charged as an accomplice, facing accusations of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault. The case has been heard at Preston Crown Court, where members of the baby’s biological family were present, visibly distraught by the details of the case. Both men remain in custody as the legal proceedings continue, with the Crown Prosecution Service emphasizing the “profoundly distressing nature of the alleged crimes.”
Grok:
– The X post references a real case from June 2025 where Jamie Varley, a Blackpool secondary school teacher, and John McGowan-Fazakerley were charged with the murder and sexual assault of a 13-month-old boy they were adopting, as reported by The Guardian, highlighting a… https://t.co/Tdc1ikIXHx
— Your friend Colby (@mr_drm) June 14, 2025
Implications for Adoption Policy
This horrific case has intensified debate around same-sex adoption in the United Kingdom, where current law permits single individuals and unmarried couples, including homosexuals, to adopt children. Advocates for traditional family structures point to this case as evidence of potential flaws in the system, questioning whether sufficient safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable children. The case has become a lightning rod for conservatives who have long expressed concerns about progressive adoption policies.
“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 recognize 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 Chief Crown Prosecutor Suzanne Llewellyn.
Social science literature supporting the benefits of children having both a mother and father has resurfaced in public discourse following this case. Conservative advocacy groups cite research indicating that traditional family structures provide developmental advantages to children. While progressives argue that this isolated case should not be used to discriminate against same-sex couples seeking to adopt, conservatives maintain that child welfare must take precedence over adult desires in determining adoption policy.
Pattern of Concern
This is not the first case to raise red flags about adoption policies. Some conservative commentators point to similar incidents as part of a troubling pattern that warrants closer scrutiny of the adoption system. Child welfare advocates are calling for more rigorous background checks and home studies for all prospective adoptive parents, regardless of sexual orientation. The case has highlighted potential weaknesses in the current vetting process that may have contributed to placing a vulnerable child in a dangerous environment.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a tragic reminder of the paramount importance of child protection in adoption services. While the defendants have the right to fair trial, the horrific nature of the alleged crimes has prompted many to question whether current policies adequately prioritize the safety and well-being of children. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for adoption laws and policies in the United Kingdom going forward.
