A judge has warned sadistic baby-killer Jamie Varley that he will 'never be released' as he was jailed for the murder of his adopted son Preston Davey. Varley, 37, was handed a rare whole life order for the murder of 13-month-old Preston during a sexual assault on July 27, 2023. This means he will never be eligible for parole.
Sentencing at Preston Crown Court
Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was also jailed for 25 years for his role in Preston's death. High Court judge Mr Justice Turner told Varley: 'This is a case of the utmost gravity. You will stay in prison for the whole of your life. You will never be released.'
Preston was taken from his biological mother, convicted killer Sarah Davey, five days after he was born and, at nine months old, was placed with former teacher Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley, of Staining, near Blackpool. Four months later, he was dead after being subjected to increasing physical, sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of Varley. McGowan-Fazakerley turned a blind eye to the abuse and on July 23 took part in a joint attack on Preston.
Details of the Abuse
On July 27, Preston died after being taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac arrest. Earlier this week, Varley was found guilty of murder; grievous bodily harm; sexual assault; cruelty; and making, taking and distributing indecent images of Preston. McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of causing or allowing Preston's death; cruelty; and sexual assault.
Mr Justice Turner told Varley: 'You were the only person with Preston that afternoon. You did this. You murdered him.' He said Varley subjected Preston to 'prolonged and persistent cruelty, neglect and sadistic behaviour' which exposed him to a 'high likelihood of psychological, developmental and emotional harm'. The judge added: 'Preston was particularly vulnerable due to his extreme youth. The acts of abuse would be dangerous on each occasion.'
Whole Life Order Imposed
Describing the seriousness of the crime as 'exceptionally high even in the general context of murder', the judge said he had no choice but to impose a whole life order. He listed aggravating features: 'Preston was particularly vulnerable - not just a child but a baby; both mental and physical suffering was caused before and there was a gross abuse of trust placed in you as adoptive parents. I accept you did not intend to kill Preston despite the fact it was almost inevitable your assault would cause really serious injury. Your assaults fall into a pattern of repeated and persistent abuse. You are of good character however that is one of the factors that led to earlier suspicions of your abuse being overlooked by professionals.'
Jailing McGowan-Fazakerley for allowing the death of a child, the judge said: 'Your culpability involved serious neglect of Preston. You failed to take any steps to protect him. Preston was particularly vulnerable and you acted together with Varley in an abuse of trust.'
