Former teacher accused of abusing and killing adopted baby, court hears

A trial at Preston Crown Court heard that a former teacher and his partner are accused of abusing and causing the death of a 13-month-old adopted boy; both men deny the charges.

A trial at Preston Crown Court is under way after prosecutors said a former teacher and his partner abused and killed an adopted baby. The 13-month-old child was adopted in April 2023 and died on 27 July 2023 after being taken to hospital by the two men. The prosecution alleges the child was mistreated in the months after adoption and that the former teacher sexually assaulted the child on the day of his death. Both defendants deny all charges and the case is being heard by a jury. Key facts: - Prosecutors allege the former teacher, Jamie Varley, sexually abused and smothered the 13-month-old adopted child. - His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, is also charged; both men deny the allegations. - The trial was adjourned and is due to resume on Tuesday morning at Preston Crown Court. Summary: The case involves allegations of repeated abuse and the death of a 13-month-old, and it is being tried before a jury at Preston Crown Court. The trial has been adjourned and is scheduled to resume on Tuesday morning.