Jamie Varley, who was given a whole-life prison order for the murder and abuse of his adopted 13-month-old son Preston Davey, is said to have spent his first night at HMP Wakefield in a state of distress. According to prison insiders cited in reports, the 37-year-old was âsobbing and quakingâ in his cell as other inmates delivered a hostile reception, banging on bars and shouting threats of retribution.
Varley was transferred immediately to the high-security Category A prison in West Yorkshireâwidely known as âMonster Mansionââfollowing his sentencing at Preston Crown Court. The facility houses some of Britainâs most serious offenders and has held high-profile inmates over the years. Sources claimed fellow prisoners had anticipated his arrival and made clear he faced a âbountyâ for being targeted, with one insider stating he was âarguably one of Britainâs most hated men right nowâ inside the prison as well.
He is currently being held in segregation for his own protection, spending most of his time isolated in his cell under constant guard surveillance. Mental-health professionals are expected to assess him, and he is understood to be under 24-hour suicide watch as a high-profile prisoner. Insiders suggested that even when he is eventually allowed limited movement, he is likely to be escorted by officers at all times. One source noted that the reality of a whole-life sentenceâmeaning he will never be releasedâappeared to hit him hard on that first night.
Varleyâs partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, who was sentenced to 25 years for his role in the case (including allowing the childâs death and participating in abuse), is believed to be held at a different prison, possibly HMP Manchester (Strangeways) or HMP Full Sutton. His exact location has not been publicly confirmed.
The case drew national attention after an eight-week trial in which Varley, a former high-school teacher and head of year, was convicted of murder and multiple serious child sex offences against the infant he and his partner had adopted. The judge imposed a whole-life order, describing the gravity of the offences as requiring that Varley remain in prison for the rest of his life. A social-services investigation into the adoption process continues.
Source: Wales Online report.