Evil Jamie Varley, the murderer of 13-month-old Preston Davey, has become the latest criminal in the UK to be handed a whole-life prison sentence. The judge at Preston Crown Court 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."
The Crimes of Jamie Varley
Varley, a teacher, was convicted of murder, sexual assault, inflicting serious bodily harm, child cruelty, taking indecent images of a child, possessing indecent images of a child, and distributing indecent images of a child. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, was convicted of causing or allowing Preston's death, cruelty, and sexual assault, receiving a 25-year sentence.
Preston was born to convicted killer Sarah Davey and was taken into care at five days old. At nine months, he was handed over to Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley, who were approved to adopt. However, Preston suffered horrific physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. On July 27, Preston was carried into Blackpool Victoria Hospital in cardiac arrest and pronounced dead. He had suffered 40 traumatic injuries, and on at least nine occasions, medical or safeguarding professionals were alerted to concerns but failed to intervene.
Other Notorious Criminals with Whole-Life Orders
Kyle Clifford
Triple killer Kyle Clifford received a whole-life order for murdering his ex-partner Louise Hunt, her mother Carol, and her sister Hannah. He also raped Louise. The judge described him as "a jealous man soaked in self-pity."
Steve Sansom
Builder Steve Sansom, out on life licence for another murder, killed Sarah Mayhew and dumped her dismembered body in a park. He received a whole-life order for murder, with his partner Gemma Watts sentenced to life with a 30-year minimum.
Marcus Osborne
Marcus Osborne murdered Steven Harnett and Katie Higton in a jealous rage, then raped another woman. He was given a whole-life order at Leeds Crown Court.
Lawrence Bierton
Double-killer Lawrence Bierton committed his third murder less than two years after release, bludgeoning his neighbour to death. He received a whole-life order.
Lucy Letby
Former nurse Lucy Letby, the most prolific baby killer in modern history, murdered seven babies and attempted to kill six others. She was sentenced to whole life in prison in 2023.
Louis De Zoysa
Gun fanatic Louis De Zoysa shot dead custody sergeant Matt Ratana while handcuffed in a police cell. He received a whole-life order.
Ali Harbi Ali
Terrorist Ali Harbi Ali stabbed MP Sir David Amess to death in 2021. He was convicted of murder and preparing terrorist acts, receiving a whole-life order.
Anthony Russell
Triple-killer Anthony Russell murdered a mother and son and a pregnant woman, raping the latter. He was handed a whole-life tariff in 2022.
David Fuller
Double murderer David Fuller sexually abused over 100 dead women and girls in hospital mortuaries. He received a whole-life sentence for the murders.
Wayne Couzens
Former police officer Wayne Couzens kidnapped, raped, and murdered Sarah Everard. He was given a whole-life order, with the judge citing the misuse of his police role.
Harold Shipman
GP Harold Shipman, known as 'Dr Death', murdered up to 260 patients. He was jailed for life in 2000 and died in prison in 2004.
Ian Brady and Myra Hindley
Moors murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley lured children to their deaths, burying them on Saddleworth Moor. Brady died in 2017, Hindley in 2002.
Peter Sutcliffe
Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe murdered 13 women. He received a whole-life sentence and died in prison in 2020.
Levi Bellfield
Serial killer Levi Bellfield, the only UK killer with two whole-life orders, murdered Amelie Delagrange, Marsha McDonnell, and Milly Dowler.
Rosemary West
Rosemary West, with husband Fred, tortured and murdered at least 10 young girls and women. She is serving a life sentence.
Michael Adebolajo
Michael Adebolajo murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby in a terror attack. He received a whole-life term.
John Straffen
Child killer John Straffen spent 55 years in prison until his death in 2007.
Dale Cregan
Dale Cregan murdered two police officers and two others in a gangland feud. He received a whole-life tariff.
Trevor Hardy
Trevor Hardy, the 'Beast of Manchester', murdered three teenage girls. He died in prison after 36 years.
Dennis Nilsen
Dennis Nilsen killed boys and young men in his flat. He died in prison in 2018.
Steve Wright
Steve Wright, the Suffolk Strangler, murdered five women. He received a whole-life sentence.
Thomas Mair
Neo-Nazi Thomas Mair murdered MP Jo Cox. He was given a whole-life sentence.
Mark Fellows
Salford hitman Mark Fellows murdered John Kinsella and Paul Massey. He received a whole-life term.
Stephen Griffiths
Stephen Griffiths, the Crossbow Cannibal, murdered three sex workers. He was jailed for life.
Khairi Saadallah
Reading terror attacker Khairi Saadallah murdered three men in a park. He received a whole-life order.
