Jury discharged in adopted baby murder trial

News imageLancashire Police Baby Preston Davey smiles at the camera dressed in a white vest and appears to be lying in a cot with star bedsheet coverLancashire Police
Jamie Varley, 37, is accused of killing 13-month-old Preston Davey

The jury has been discharged in the trial of a former high school teacher accused of sexually assaulting and killing a baby boy he adopted with his partner.

Jamie Varley, 37, is accused of murdering 13-month-old Preston Davey in July 2023, and faces 25 other charges relating to his sexual and physical mistreatment.

His partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is accused of causing or allowing the death of the child and four other offences. Both men deny all charges.

After a week of evidence at Preston Crown Court, judge Mr Justice Turner discharged the jury after one of them became ill. A new jury will be selected on Monday.

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