2 hours ago

Lynette Horsburgh North West

Lancashire Police

Jamie Varley, 37, is accused of killing 13-month-old Preston Davey

A former teacher accused of sexually abusing and killing an adopted baby said the child was "dead meat" and that he had "murdered" him in the weeks before the infant died, a court heard.

Jamie Varley, 37, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, adopted 13-month-old Preston Davey, in April 2023, Preston Crown Court heard.

For just under four months after his adoption he was allegedly routinely ill-treated and suffered 40 traumatic injuries at the defendants' home in Blackpool, jurors were told.

He died in hospital on 27 July 2023.…