A cruel school teacher who fatally harmed his adopted infant in a sexual assault has made an appearance in court. Jamie Varley, aged 37, was handed a life sentence for the murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey, who endured continuous mistreatment by Varley, a former high school head of year.
Varley attended Preston Crown Court remotely from HMP Wakefield, known as “Monster Mansion,” where notorious criminals are housed. Clad in a striped sweater, Varley participated in the proceedings via video link, confirming his identity without speaking much.
During a brief two-minute hearing under the “slip rule,” Varley received a seven-year jail term for a count of sexual assault on the child, to be served concurrently with his other sentences. Despite this, the additional sentence will not impact Varley’s whole life term, as he was already informed that he will never be released from prison by the same judge during his sentencing in June.
Varley’s partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, aged 32, also joined the hearing via video link from HMP Preston and was sentenced to 25 years for his involvement in the child’s mistreatment and sexual abuse.
Authorities expressed shock at Varley’s and McGowan-Fazakerley’s appalling acts, labeling Varley as “evil” and a “sadist.” Preston, the victim, was subjected to ongoing sexual and physical abuse after being adopted by the couple at nine months old, leading to his tragic death four months later in their Blackpool residence in July 2023.
An investigation by social services into the case is currently underway.
