Jamie Varley, the man convicted of murdering 13-month-old Preston, reportedly fears being transferred to a high-security prison where he could end up like Ian Watkins, the former Lostprophets singer who was fatally stabbed in jail. Varley, 37, was given a whole life order on June 18, 2026, meaning he will never be eligible for parole. He is currently held at Preston Prison in Lancashire but is said to be anxious about a potential move to a Category A facility.
Varley's Fears and Prison Conditions
According to a source quoted by The Sun, Varley has expressed concerns that he will end up like Ian Watkins, who was killed at HMP Wakefield in October 2025. Watkins, 48, was allegedly stabbed in the neck; two inmates, Rashid Gedel and Samuel Dodsworth, have been charged with his murder. The source described Varley as having a 'tough time' in jail, but warned that conditions could worsen. Varley is reportedly classified as an escape risk, which subjects him to heightened scrutiny, including regular checks and restrictions on his movement outside his cell or in communal areas. Inmates designated as escape risks are required to wear a distinctive yellow and green jumpsuit, known as 'patches,' which singles them out for additional supervision.
The Murder of Baby Preston
Varley and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, adopted Preston when he was nine months old. Over the next four months, the child suffered horrific abuse. The court heard that Preston was treated as a 'plaything' and was routinely sexually assaulted and physically abused. He suffered 40 traumatic injuries, and indecent images and videos were taken of him. Preston died from acute upper airway obstruction caused by objects inserted into his mouth. Mr Justice Turner, who sentenced Varley, noted that Varley's 'growing and selfish resentment towards Preston' contributed to the abuse. The judge also remarked that Varley's background as a teacher, combined with his charm and easy manner, allowed him to reassure others that everything was fine.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Varley received a whole life order, while McGowan-Fazakerley was sentenced to 25 years in prison for allowing the abuse and participating in the sexual abuse. During the sentencing hearing, Preston's biological mother, Sarah Davey, and grandmother, Debbie Davey, were present in the public gallery and sobbed throughout. Sarah Davey had a criminal history: at age 14, she was jailed for the murder of a pensioner in 1998 and had been in and out of prison since then. A social services investigation is ongoing, but Children's Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza has already described the case as a 'harrowing' failure of state safeguarding.
