A couple of homosexual individuals were arrested for sexually assaulting and killing a baby.

A shocking case has caused a stir in the United Kingdom after a same-sex couple was accused of sexually abusing and murdering a 13-month-old baby who was under their custody as part of an adoption process.

The minor, Preston Davey, was removed from her biological parents six days after birth and placed under state care until she was handed over to the accused couple.

The defendants are Jamie Varley, 36 years old, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31. Varley worked as a teacher and head of year at South Shore Academy, a secondary school in Blackpool, England, where he was immediately suspended after news of his arrest became public. McGowan-Fazakerley had no known public occupation.

The minor was transferred to the couple's care on April 3, 2023, as part of an adoption process approved by a court. However, three months later, on July 27, the girl was admitted unconscious to Victoria Hospital in Blackpool, where she died shortly after. It was the hospital's medical staff who alerted the police, after detecting signs consistent with physical abuse and possible sexual assault.

The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of both men and the discovery of pedophilic material in Varley's possession.

Among the charges they face are homicide, sexual assault of minors, child abuse, possession and distribution of illegal images of minors, and extreme child pornography.

McGowan-Fazakerley was charged with gross negligence and allowing the death of a minor in his care, charges that also carry severe penalties in the British judicial system.

Both recently appeared before Lancaster Court, where Varley limited himself to confirming his name. The judicial process is still in its preliminary stages, but the gravity of the case has attracted widespread public and media attention, along with total repudiation and disgust from British society. 

Authorities have highlighted the complexity of the investigation, which includes forensic analysis, review of electronic devices, and testimonies from social workers.

South Shore Academy, where Varley worked, issued a statement assuring that the teacher was immediately suspended, was banned from entering the educational center, and all relevant agencies were alerted. "Our thoughts are with Preston Davey's biological family and with all those affected by this tragic case," the institution stated.

The crime has reopened the debate in the United Kingdom about adoption processes by same-sex couples, state controls over adoptive guardians, and the safety of minors in vulnerable situations.

The full trial is expected to take place in the coming months, in a context of intense media and public attention due to the especially sensitive nature of the charges.