Jamie Varley, the man convicted of murdering 13-month-old Preston Davey, has reportedly changed his name while incarcerated at HMP Wakefield in an attempt to evade recognition from fellow inmates who have allegedly placed a bounty on his head.
Varley Adopts New Identity Behind Bars
According to sources cited by the Daily Mail, Varley has adopted the name Harry Jae Robb. An unnamed insider stated: "He has changed his name to Harry Jae Robb in the hope of giving himself anonymity. He's absolutely petrified. There have already been threats against him and he thinks that by changing his name, people are less likely to recognise him and know who he is." The source added that Varley believes the new name will shield him from vigilante attacks, acknowledging that "he knows he has a huge target on his back."
Hostile Reception at HMP Wakefield
Varley, a former school teacher, was met with a hostile reception upon his arrival at the prison. Inmates allegedly banged on cell doors and shouted threats. Reports indicate that prisoners are already pooling resources to harm the child killer, with some describing him as "a dead man walking." As a result, Varley has been placed in segregation under constant supervision while prison staff assess the risks to his safety.
The Crime and Sentence
Varley received a rare whole-life prison sentence for the murder and abuse of Preston Davey. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was sentenced to 25 years for sexual abuse, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child. The case was described by Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows of Lancashire Police as "one of the most challenging investigations our force major investigation team has ever undertaken." Fallows condemned Varley as "an evil and monstrous individual who sexually, physically and mentally abused a vulnerable baby for his own sadistic pleasure," adding, "I struggle to imagine the horror that Preston endured in his short life."
