Jamie Varley, the former high school head of year who was given a whole life term last month for the murder of his adopted 13-month-old son Preston Davey, appeared in court on Monday to be sentenced for a sexual assault charge that was accidentally omitted from his original sentencing.
Court Appearance via Videolink
Varley, 37, appeared at Preston Crown Court via videolink from HMP Wakefield, a prison known as "Monster Mansion" that houses some of the UK's most notorious murderers. Dressed in a striped jumper, he sat with his elbows on a desk and his hands clasped in front of his face, speaking only to confirm his identity during the brief, two-minute hearing.
The hearing was held under the "slip rule," which allows judges to correct legal errors or rectify accidental mistakes. After being convicted of murder and 24 other offences, Varley had not been sentenced for one count of sexual assault at his original sentencing on June 18.
Sentence for Sexual Assault
Mr Justice Turner, who also appeared via videolink alongside other lawyers involved in the trial, sentenced Varley to seven years imprisonment on count 12, the sexual assault of the child. This sentence will run concurrently with his other sentences and has no practical effect, as Varley was already given a whole life term and told he will never be released from prison.
Varley's partner, ex-public schoolboy John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, also appeared by videolink from HMP Preston. He was imprisoned for 25 years for permitting Varley's mistreatment of the child and participating in the sexual abuse, following an eight-week trial of the duo.
The Murder of Preston Davey
Preston Davey was adopted by Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley at nine months old. He suffered "unremitting abuse" at the hands of his adoptive parents, who treated him as a "plaything." The youngster was repeatedly sexually assaulted and physically abused before being killed at their Blackpool residence in July 2023, just four months after the adoption.
Officers said the offences had "shocked the nation" and branded Varley as "evil" and a "sadist." A social services inquiry is ongoing.
