A previous resident alerted authorities about Jamie Varley, a convicted murderer, for attempting to set fire to her children’s toys by throwing lit cigarettes at them. Varley, aged 37, is currently serving a whole-life order for the brutal killing and sexual assault of his adopted 13-month-old son, Preston Davey, who suffered severe abuse under his care.
Tragically, on July 27, 2023, Preston was subjected to two sexual assaults by Varley, a former school teacher, before his untimely death. Varley’s partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, received a 25-year prison sentence for his involvement in the abuse and murder.
Following Varley’s conviction, a former neighbor shared harrowing experiences of living next to him, describing him as a menacing individual. The neighbor, a mother of five who had fostered numerous children, recounted instances where Varley exhibited anti-social behavior and damaged property, prompting her to report him to authorities.
She expressed concern for her children’s safety due to Varley’s aggressive behavior, recalling incidents where he verbally abused her and even attempted to set fire to their toys with lit cigarettes. The neighbor emphasized the impact Varley had on her family, leading her to restrict her children from playing freely outside.
Additional disturbing details emerged about Varley’s conduct prior to the tragic events involving Preston. Reports revealed Varley sustaining injuries during the COVID lockdown while allegedly spying on a suspected unfaithful partner, not McGowan-Fazakerley.
Varley’s sentencing at Preston Crown Court placed him among Britain’s most dangerous criminals serving life imprisonment, alongside notorious offenders like Wayne Couzens, Levi Bellfield, and Jeremy Bamber. Preston, born to Sarah Davey, a convicted murderer, was entrusted to Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley for adoption, only to endure severe abuse at their hands, culminating in his heartbreaking demise.
The timeline of events leading to Preston’s death highlighted the escalating abuse suffered by the toddler, ultimately resulting in his fatal cardiac arrest and passing at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
