Jamie Varley, a former schoolteacher, has been sentenced to a rare whole life order for the murder and sexual abuse of his adopted baby, Preston Davey. The 37-year-old inflicted what the court described as 'unremitting abuse' on the 13-month-old before a final, fatal sexual assault. The sentencing took place at Preston Crown Court.
Partner Also Sentenced
Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was also convicted of sexual assault, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison. All criminal offences against Preston occurred during a four-month period before his death on July 27, 2023, while he was in the care of Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley.
Evidence of Abuse
A video recovered from Varley's phone, taken on April 23, 2023, showed bruising on Preston's head, indicating physical cruelty. On May 5, 2023, Varley took indecent images and a video of Preston, which he shared with McGowan-Fazakerley via Snapchat. On June 15, 2023, Varley messaged McGowan-Fazakerley about a potential medical episode, but later videos showed he deliberately kept Preston awake, subjecting him to psychological cruelty.
Images taken on June 16, 2023, Preston's first birthday, indicated further physical cruelty. The autopsy revealed a total of 40 separate injuries, including at least 30 external bruises, internal bruising to the pharynx and bladder, and injuries to the anus and bowel. Preston also had a healing fracture to his left upper arm, which was non-accidental. The cause of death was acute upper airways obstruction.
Police and Family Statements
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows, who led the murder investigation for Lancashire Police, called the case one of the most challenging the force had ever undertaken. He described Varley as 'an evil and monstrous individual who sexually, physically and mentally abused a vulnerable baby for his own sadistic pleasure.' He added, 'I struggle to imagine the horror that Preston endured in his short life.'
In a victim impact statement, Preston's biological mother, Sarah Davey, wrote: 'Preston Paul Arlo Davey was perfect from the moment he was born. The second he was placed in my arms, I fell completely in love with him. He was my baby, my only son, and from that day on, I never wanted to let him go.' She expressed her pain that her memories are now mixed with the knowledge of what he suffered in his final months.
