Jamie Varley, the 37-year-old former teacher who was handed a whole life term last month for the murder and sexual abuse of his 13-month-old adopted son Preston Davey, appeared in court again on Monday for a brief hearing to correct a sentencing oversight.
Slip Rule Hearing
Varley appeared via videolink from HMP Wakefield, known as "Monster Mansion," before Preston Crown Court. Dressed in a striped jumper, he spoke only to confirm his identity during the two-minute hearing conducted under the "slip rule," which allows judges to rectify accidental mistakes in sentencing.
Following his conviction for murder and 24 other offences last month, it emerged that he had not been sentenced for one count of sexual assault. Mr Justice Turner, also appearing via videolink, sentenced Varley to seven years in prison on count 12, the sexual assault of the child, to run concurrently with his existing sentences.
No Practical Effect
The ruling will have no practical effect, as Varley was already handed a whole life term and told he would never be released from prison by the same judge when sentence was passed on June 18.
Varley's partner, ex-public schoolboy John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, also appeared via videolink from HMP Preston. He received a 25-year prison sentence for permitting Varley's abuse of the child and participating in the sexual abuse himself, following an eight-week trial.
Details of the Crimes
Detectives described the crimes as having "shocked the nation," calling Varley "evil" and a "sadist." Preston had been treated as a "plaything," routinely subjected to sexual assault and physical abuse after the couple adopted him at nine months old. The abuse culminated in his murder four months later at their Blackpool home in July 2023.
A social services inquiry is currently under way.
