A cruel teacher who killed his adopted infant in a sexual assault has made a court appearance. Jamie Varley, aged 37, was handed a life sentence for the murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey, who endured severe mistreatment from the former high school official. Varley appeared at Preston Crown Court through a video link from HMP Wakefield, known as “Monster Mansion,” which houses some of the nation’s most infamous criminals.
During the hearing, Varley, dressed in a striped sweater, was seen on screen from his cell, his hands clasped in front of his face as he confirmed his identity. The session, conducted under the “slip rule” for legal corrections, was brief, lasting only two minutes.
Following his conviction for murder and 24 other offenses, Varley received an additional seven-year prison term for a count of sexual assault against the child. This sentence runs concurrently with his other convictions, although it has no practical impact since he was already handed a life sentence without parole on June 18 by the same judge.
Varley’s partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, also appeared via video link from HMP Preston and was sentenced to 25 years for enabling Varley’s abuse of the child and participating in the sexual assaults. Authorities labeled their actions as shocking and described Varley as evil and sadistic.
Preston, the victim, was subjected to ongoing sexual abuse and physical harm after being adopted by the couple at nine months old, leading to his tragic death four months later in July 2023 at their residence in Blackpool. A social services inquiry is currently underway.