Jamie Varley, the 37-year-old former teacher convicted of murdering his adopted 13-month-old son Preston Davey during a sexual assault, spent his first night at HMP Wakefield sobbing and trembling in his cell, according to prison sources. Inmates at the Category A prison, known as Monster Mansion, greeted him with a 'traditional prisoners welcome'—banging on bars and shouting threats that he is on borrowed time.
Varley Transferred Immediately After Sentencing
Varley was taken directly to HMP Wakefield following his sentencing at Preston Crown Court last week. He received a whole life order for the horrific abuse of baby Preston, which included murder, sexual assault, and other child sex offences. The reality of his new existence appeared to hit him as he wept through the night, insiders told the Daily Star.
“It was quite the home hit for how the rest of his life will be,” a source said. “Varley was in for a rude awakening if he thought he would be getting an easy ride. He is arguably one of Britain's most hated men right now, and that stands in the prison too.”
Inmates Await His Arrival
Other prisoners knew Varley was coming and waited for him, the source added. “They want him scared and they want to make his time inside as awful as they can—and now he knows he has a lot of time inside to serve. He is never getting out, there is no way out of this hell for him.”
Varley is currently in segregation, confined to his cell alone with round-the-clock guards monitoring him for his safety. Mental health professionals are expected to assess his psychological state, and he remains under 24-hour suicide watch, which is standard for high-profile prisoners.
Bounty on His Head
“In time he will be allowed to move about a bit more, but any time he does leave his cell it is likely he will be flanked by guards,” the insider continued. “He was welcomed last night by loud banging and shouting as fellow prisoners who anticipated his arrival when they learnt of a prison van arriving to drop off newbies. He was whispering to himself and spent the whole night just sobbing in his cell. He must be thinking that an attack is inevitable, it is just a case of when.”
The source also revealed that a bounty has been placed on Varley's head, increasing every day he survives. “Guards certainly have a job on their hands keeping him safe.”
Notorious Prison
HMP Wakefield is one of Britain's most infamous prisons, holding between 630 and 750 high-risk offenders, most serving lengthy or life sentences. Notorious former inmates include Harold Shipman, Levi Bellfield, Ian Huntley, and Charles Bronson.
The whereabouts of Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, remain unknown, though sources suggest he is likely held at HMP Manchester (Strangeways) or HMP Full Sutton.
