A teacher facing allegations of sexually abusing and killing an adopted infant was captured on video expressing remorse and guilt while holding the deceased child, a courtroom was told.

Jamie Varley, aged 37, was seen in the footage at Preston Crown Court cradling 13-month-old Preston Davey at Blackpool Victoria Hospital’s bereavement room, where he uttered, “I’m going to hell.”

In the video, Varley appeared distraught and blamed himself for the tragic incident, claiming he had left the child unattended in the bath. Prosecutors argued that Varley’s version of events was inconsistent with the findings of a post-mortem examination that revealed 40 injuries on the baby.

Varley, who worked as a high school teacher at the time, stands accused of the child’s murder, while his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, faces charges related to the death and sexual abuse allegations.

Allegations suggest that during the four months Preston was under their care in Blackpool, he was subjected to mistreatment, including sexual abuse, physical assault, and the production of indecent images and videos.

The couple rushed Preston to the hospital after an alleged final sexual assault by Varley, but despite efforts to revive him, the child was pronounced dead.

In the video footage, Varley, visibly distressed and accompanied by his mother, expressed deep remorse and guilt, stating that he felt responsible for the tragedy. He also mentioned feeling like he was heading to hell for his actions.

Varley denied several charges, including murder, manslaughter, assault, child cruelty, and sexual offenses, while McGowan-Fazakerley denied involvement in allowing the child’s death and other related charges.

The trial proceedings were adjourned until the following day.