- Jamie Varley, a high school teacher, received a rare whole life order for the murder of his 13-month-old adopted son, Preston Davey, following a fatal sexual assault in July 2023.
- Varley's partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexual assault and allowing the baby's death, with the court hearing Preston endured horrific sexual, physical, and mental abuse during the four months he was in their care.
- The court heard that Varley, who was a designated safeguarding lead, used his professional reputation and 'charm and easy manner' to conceal the abuse, reassuring social workers and health professionals despite Preston being repeatedly taken to hospital with suspicious bruising.
- Mr Justice Turner stated that Varley's 'selfish resentment' towards Preston for disrupting his sleep and impacting his relationship with McGowan-Fazakerley played a part in his motivation for the abuse.
- Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows described Varley as an 'evil and monstrous individual' and the case as one that 'truly shocked the nation,' highlighting the extreme nature of the abuse suffered by the vulnerable baby.
IN FULL
