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Jury discharged in adopted baby murder trial

Jury discharged in adopted baby murder trial

Summary

A jury was dismissed in the trial of Jamie Varley, a former teacher accused of abusing and killing his adopted 13-month-old son, Preston Davey. The trial will restart with a new jury because of undisclosed reasons, and both Varley and his partner deny the charges.

Key Facts

  • Jamie Varley, 37, is charged with murdering Preston Davey and 25 other offenses related to sexual and physical abuse.
  • John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, Varley’s partner, is charged with causing or allowing Preston’s death and other offenses.
  • Preston was adopted by the couple in April 2023 after being in foster care since birth.
  • The child had suffered multiple injuries and abuse during the months he was with the defendants.
  • Preston was found unconscious on July 27, 2023, and died soon after arriving at the hospital.
  • The official cause of death may have been smothering or object insertion, not accidental drowning as Varley claimed.
  • The jury was dismissed by the judge for reasons that cannot be shared publicly.
  • A new jury will be chosen to continue the trial next Monday.
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