Teacher Jamie Varley given whole‑life term for murder of adopted baby Preston Davey

On 18 June 2026 Preston Crown Court sentenced Jamie Varley, a 37‑year‑old former high‑school teacher, to a whole‑life order for murdering his 13‑month‑old adopted son Preston Davey during a sexual assault in July 2023. His partner, 32‑year‑old John McGowan‑Fazakerley, received a 25‑year prison term for child cruelty and allowing the death.

The judge said Varley’s professional background and charm had misled social‑work and health professionals, describing the case as “of the utmost gravity”. Evidence showed Preston endured repeated physical, sexual and emotional abuse, with 40 injuries, bruises, a healing fracture and indecent images recorded over the four months he lived with the couple in Blackpool.

Victim‑impact statements were read by foster parents Sandra and Paul Cooper and by Preston’s mother Sarah Davey, who herself has a criminal past. Lancashire police called the case “truly shocking the nation”.

A former inmate warned that Varley is likely to face violent threats and an early death in HMP Wakefield’s “Monster Mansion”, where child killers are often targeted by other inmates.