Jamie Varley, the former school teacher sentenced to a whole life term for the murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey, appeared in court today via video link from HMP Wakefield. The hearing, lasting just two minutes, was held under the “slip rule,” which allows judges to correct legal errors or accidental mistakes in sentencing.
Varley, 37, was convicted last month of murder and 24 other offences, including the sexual assault of the child. However, at his original sentencing, he was not sentenced for one count of sexual assault. To rectify this, Mr Justice Turner, appearing via videolink alongside other trial lawyers, sentenced Varley to seven years in prison on count 12, to run concurrently with his other sentences.
Details of the Hearing
Varley appeared from a room at HMP Wakefield, often referred to as “Monster Mansion” due to its housing of some of the UK's most notorious murderers. Wearing a striped jumper, he sat with his elbows on a desk and hands clasped in front of his face, speaking only to confirm his identity.
The slip rule hearing was brief, focusing solely on the omitted sentence for sexual assault. Varley’s whole life term for murder remains unchanged, meaning he will never be released from prison.
Background of the Case
Varley, a former high school head of year, was found guilty of subjecting Preston Davey to “unremitting abuse” before ultimately killing the 13-month-old. The baby was in the process of being adopted by Varley and his partner at the time of the murder. The case drew widespread outrage, with the judge describing Varley’s actions as “unimaginable cruelty.”
The original sentencing in June 2026 imposed a whole life order, one of the most severe punishments available in the UK legal system, reserved for the most heinous crimes. The slip rule hearing ensured that all convictions were properly addressed in the sentencing record.
