Jamie Varley, the former schoolteacher convicted of murdering his adopted infant son, has made a fresh court appearance to correct a sentencing error. Varley, 37, was given a whole life order last month for the murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey, who suffered what the judge described as 'unremitting abuse' at the hands of the secondary school head of year.
Court appearance via videolink
Varley appeared at Preston Crown Court via videolink from HMP Wakefield, a prison often referred to as 'Monster Mansion' due to its high-profile inmates. Dressed in a striped jumper, he sat with his elbows on a desk and hands clasped near his face, speaking only to confirm his identity. The hearing lasted just two minutes under the 'slip rule', which allows judges to correct legal errors or inadvertent oversights.
When Varley was sentenced on 18 June for murder and 24 other offences, he was mistakenly not sentenced for one count of sexual assault. Mr Justice Turner, also appearing via videolink, imposed a seven-year prison term for that count, to run concurrently with his existing sentences. The judge noted that this would have no practical effect, as Varley had already been told he would never leave prison.
Partner also in court
Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, a former public schoolboy, also appeared via videolink from HMP Preston. He received a 25-year sentence for permitting Varley's abuse of the child and for his own participation in sexual abuse, following an eight-week trial. Detectives described their crimes as having 'shocked the nation', branding Varley as 'evil' and a 'sadist'.
Preston had been treated as a 'plaything', subjected to routine sexual and physical abuse after the couple adopted him at nine months old. He was murdered four months later at their Blackpool home in July 2023. A social services inquiry is currently ongoing.
