Fresh details have emerged following the conviction and sentencing of Jamie Varley in the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey. Varley was convicted of murdering Preston after a seven-week trial and was later given a whole-life order, meaning he will never be eligible for release. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, was sentenced to 25 years for his role in Preston’s death and the abuse of the child.

One of the newest developments comes from a former university partner of Varley, who has now publicly described a history of alleged controlling and violent behaviour during their relationship more than a decade ago. The former partner said he experienced manipulation, intimidation and physical violence, and expressed regret that he did not report what he says happened at the time. These allegations were reported after Varley’s conviction and should be distinguished from the evidence that was formally tested in court.

The original investigation also uncovered phone evidence that prosecutors said documented instances of child cruelty. Investigators additionally found indecent images and videos involving Preston on Varley’s phone, while medical experts concluded that Preston had suffered more than 40 injuries during the months he was in the couple’s care.

Perhaps one of the most significant pieces of evidence at trial was the contradiction between Varley’s original explanation of Preston’s death and the medical findings. Varley claimed the baby had accidentally drowned in a bath, but expert evidence concluded that Preston died from acute upper-airway obstruction and that his injuries were inconsistent with an accidental drowning.

The case therefore involves several layers of evidence — medical findings, digital evidence, witness testimony and accounts concerning Varley’s behaviour. The prosecution ultimately persuaded the jury that Preston had been repeatedly abused before his death, leading to convictions for murder and multiple other offences.

The latest development is not simply another allegation from the original investigation: it is the emergence of a former partner’s account of Varley’s behaviour years before Preston entered his care. While that testimony does not itself prove anything about the murder, it has added another disturbing dimension to public discussion of the case.