Former Teacher Given Whole Life Order for the Murder of Adopted Toddler Preston Davey

Warning: This story contains references to child abuse that some readers may find distressing.

Jamie Varley, 37, has been sentenced to a whole life order—one of the most severe penalties available under English law—for the murder and sexual abuse of 13-month-old Preston Davey, the child he and his partner were in the process of adopting.

Varley and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, were approved to adopt Preston, who was placed in their care in April 2023. Prosecutors said that over the following months, Preston suffered repeated abuse and numerous injuries before his death on July 27, 2023.

During the investigation, Varley claimed Preston had drowned in the bath. However, medical evidence presented at trial contradicted that account, and prosecutors argued that the child died after his airway was obstructed.

Following an eight-week trial at Preston Crown Court, Varley was convicted of murder, sexual assault, and multiple other serious child sexual offences. McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child and received a 25-year prison sentence.

The sentencing judge imposed a whole life order on Varley, meaning he will never be eligible for parole.

After sentencing, media reports stated that Varley was transferred to HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison. Some reports have also described claims about his treatment by other inmates and his placement in segregation. Those reports have not been independently verified, and prison authorities generally do not comment on individual prisoners’ conditions or security arrangements.

The case has prompted widespread discussion about child protection, safeguarding, and the systems designed to protect vulnerable children. Preston’s death remains a profound tragedy, and many hope the lessons learned from the case will help prevent similar tragedies in the future.