Baby killer Jamie Varley spent his first night at HMP Wakefield, known as 'Monster Mansion', sobbing and quaking in his cell as fellow inmates gave him a 'traditional prisoners welcome', insiders have claimed. The 37-year-old was sentenced to a whole life order last week for the murder and sexual abuse of his adopted 13-month-old son, Preston Davey.
Inmates issue threats on arrival
According to a source who spoke to the Daily Star, prisoners had been anticipating Varley's arrival and greeted him with loud banging on bars and shouts, warning that his time was running out. 'There's a bounty on his head, everyone wants to be the one to hurt him first,' the source said. 'He was made very aware of that as he entered the prison.'
Varley was convicted after an eight-week trial at Preston Crown Court, where he was found guilty of murder, sexual assault, and multiple other child sex offences. Preston died in 2023 after being rushed to hospital.
Segregation and suicide watch
Varley is currently believed to be held in segregation, meaning he spends most of his time alone in his cell under constant guard. Mental health experts have been called in to assess him, and he is on 24-hour suicide watch, which is standard protocol for high-profile prisoners. 'What has he got to live for?' the insider added.
The source described how Varley spent his first night weeping and whispering to himself, reportedly realising that an attack is 'inevitable'. Guards have a duty of care to protect him, but the insider noted that 'every day he survives, the bounty will increase for taking him out'.
Notorious prison history
HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire is a Category A prison housing between 630 and 750 high-risk offenders, most serving life sentences. Notable inmates have included Harold Shipman, Levi Bellfield, Ian Huntley, and Charles Bronson. Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, is believed to be held at either HMP Manchester or HMP Full Sutton.
