Jamie Varley tells murder trial adopted baby had 'brilliant life with us'

A teacher accused of sexually abusing and murdering his adopted son has told a court the infant had "a brilliant life" with him and his partner, and his love for the child could "never be taken away". Jamie Varley, 37, who is accused of routinely sexually, physically and emotionally abusing Preston Davey before his death in July 2023, told Preston Crown Court the 13-month-old was "very much loved". Preston died nearly four months after he went to live with Varley, and co-defendant John McGowan-Fazakerley, in Blackpool. Varley denies murdering Preston, and McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, denies allowing his death. Both men also deny sexually assaulting him. Continuing his cross-examination of Varley on Thursday, prosecutor Peter Wright KC reminded Varley of videos he recorded on his phone of Preston being spun fast on a park playground, his eyes rolling back, eight days before his death. Wright said: "This little lad was resigned to his fate and it was obvious on his face." Varley said: "No, this little boy, our little boy, had a brilliant life with us." The prosecution claim that on 23 July 2023 both defendants sexually assaulted Preston at their home. Wright said: "He was your plaything,