former high school teacher has been handed a whole-life prison sentence for the horrific physical abuse, Sєxual ᴀssault, and murder of a 13-month-old baby boy who was in his care for adoption.According to the sentencing on June 18, 2026, at Preston Crown Court, Jamie Varley (37, a former teacher from Blackpool) was given a whole-life order.

This means he will spend the rest of his life behind bars with no possibility of parole. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley (32), was also sentenced to 25 years in prison for child cruelty, Sєxual ᴀssault, and allowing the death of a child.A Reign of Terror Behind a “Loving Father” FacadeThe victim, 13-month-old Preston Davey, was placed under the care of Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley in April 2023 while the couple was undergoing the formal adoption process.

However, just four months later in July 2023, the baby boy died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital after being rushed to the emergency department in critical condition.A forensic post-mortem examination exposed the harrowing reality of the child’s short life, uncovering 40 external and internal trauma injuries across his tiny body. Medical experts concluded that Preston’s cause of death was asphyxiation—caused by deliberate obstruction of his airways—and confirmed clear evidence of severe, non-accidental Sєxual abuse and “forcible penetration”.

When calling emergency services, Varley fabricated a cover story, claiming that he had left Preston unattended for a few minutes and found him accidentally submerged in the bath. However, paramedics and doctors quickly noted that the child’s body was completely dry and there was no fluid in his lungs, completely dismantling Varley’s alibi.