In a development that has sent chills through the public and reopened raw wounds for Preston Davey’s devastated family, Jamie Varley — the former teacher handed a whole-life order for the sadistic murder and sexual abuse of his 13-month-old adopted son — has been moved to HMP Wakefield, one of the UK’s most notorious maximum-security prisons reserved for the country’s most dangerous and reviled offenders.

The 37-year-old, who subjected tiny Preston to months of unimaginable physical, sexual, and emotional torment before killing him, will now spend the rest of his days behind the forbidding walls of the Category A facility in West Yorkshire — a place long dubbed “Monster Mansion” for housing some of Britain’s most heinous criminals. Rather than being thrust into the general population, prison authorities have taken the extraordinary step of placing Varley in a segregated unit under special arrangements, fuelling intense speculation about the extreme risks he faces and the extraordinary measures needed to keep him alive.

While Varley’s new location is now known, one major question continues to hang over the case: authorities have still not publicly revealed where his co-defendant, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, has been placed within the prison system — a silence that has only deepened public anger and curiosity about how the pair are being managed after their shocking convictions.

The Horrific Crimes That Shocked the Nation

The brutality inflicted on little Preston Davey, a vulnerable baby placed into the care of Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley just months earlier, remains almost impossible to comprehend. Adopted at nine months old after being removed from his birth mother, Preston endured repeated hospital visits with unexplained injuries before his death in July 2023 at just 13 months. Prosecutors described a campaign of systematic abuse, including sexual assaults captured on devices, physical violence, and cruelty that ultimately led to the baby’s death through smothering or obstruction of his airway.

Varley, a secondary school teacher ironically involved in child safeguarding, was convicted of murder and multiple sexual offences. McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault. The trial exposed shocking failures in the adoption process and systemic oversights that allowed the abuse to continue despite warning signs.

At sentencing, the judge delivered a whole-life order for Varley — meaning he will never be released — while McGowan-Fazakerley received 25 years. Preston’s biological mother, Sarah Davey, spoke of her “unimaginable pain,” vowing never to forgive the men entrusted with her son’s care.

Arrival at Monster Mansion: Special Segregation for the Baby Killer

HMP Wakefield, a grim Victorian-era fortress, holds some of the UK’s most dangerous prisoners, including serial killers, terrorists, and notorious child sex offenders. Its reputation for violence is well-earned — past inmates have included Harold Shipman, Levi Bellfield, and others whose names evoke national revulsion. Recent incidents, including attacks on high-profile prisoners, underscore the volatile environment.

Sources indicate Varley was transferred swiftly after sentencing and placed in a segregated unit — often used for vulnerable prisoners, those at risk of attack, or those requiring strict isolation. This decision is believed to stem from the nature of his crimes against a defenceless baby, which place him at extreme risk of vigilante “prison justice” from fellow inmates, many of whom operate under their own brutal code regarding child abusers.

Prison insiders suggest the special arrangements could include enhanced monitoring, restricted association with other prisoners, and careful cell allocation to minimise threats. Yet even in segregation, life at Wakefield is far from comfortable. Inmates face strict regimes, limited privileges, and the constant psychological weight of knowing they will never leave.

Legal experts note that whole-life prisoners like Varley often endure a form of “living death” — endless days marked by routine, isolation, and the knowledge that society has permanently rejected them. For a former teacher who once held a position of trust, the fall is total.

The Unanswered Question: Where Is John McGowan-Fazakerley?

While Varley’s placement has been confirmed, the prison location and conditions for his partner McGowan-Fazakerley remain officially undisclosed. This opacity has sparked speculation and criticism from victims’ rights groups and the public, who question whether both men are receiving equivalent levels of security or if one is being treated more leniently.

McGowan-Fazakerley, sentenced to 25 years, could theoretically be released one day, though his convictions for failing to protect Preston and participating in abuse make him equally despised in the eyes of many. Sources suggest he may also be held in high-security conditions, possibly even at Wakefield or another Category A facility, but authorities have declined to comment, citing prisoner safety and operational reasons.

The contrast in their sentences — whole-life versus a fixed term — has already divided opinion, with many arguing McGowan-Fazakerley’s role was equally monstrous. Preston’s family has called for maximum transparency and accountability across the board.

Life Inside Wakefield: What Awaits a Whole-Life Baby Killer

For Varley, daily existence in Monster Mansion will be a stark contrast to his former life. Wakefield houses a mix of lifers and high-risk offenders, with a history of violence, including attacks on sex offenders and child killers. Even in segregation, the psychological toll is immense — limited human contact, constant surveillance, and the knowledge that many inmates would relish the chance to harm him.

Reports from similar cases describe whole-life prisoners experiencing profound isolation, mental health struggles, and a monotonous routine of meals, exercise in secure yards, and occasional legal visits. Some turn to religion, education programs (though restricted), or writing appeals that are almost certain to fail.

Public sentiment remains overwhelmingly hostile. Many express grim satisfaction that Varley will “rot” in such conditions, while others caution against celebrating any form of suffering. Preston’s grandmother and other relatives have spoken of their ongoing fight for justice, including potential inquiries into the adoption failures that placed the baby in harm’s way.

Broader Failures and Calls for Reform

The case has exposed deep flaws in the UK’s adoption and child protection systems. Despite hospital visits and concerns raised by health workers and family, Preston slipped through the cracks. Calls for a full public inquiry have grown louder, with demands for better vetting of adopters — particularly in same-sex or blended couples — and improved oversight.

Child protection charities have used the tragedy to highlight chronic underfunding and overloaded social services. Preston’s short life, marked by suffering after a promising start in foster care, has become a symbol of systemic neglect that enabled monsters to operate in plain sight.

Family’s Unending Grief and Demand for Answers

Preston’s biological family continues to grieve while pushing for full accountability. Sarah Davey has been vocal about her pain and the betrayal by the system that was supposed to protect her son. The family’s fight now extends beyond the criminal convictions to ensuring no other child suffers the same fate.

As Varley begins his irreversible sentence and questions linger over McGowan-Fazakerley’s placement, the case refuses to fade from public consciousness. The segregated unit at Wakefield may keep Varley physically safe for now, but the moral judgment of the nation is absolute.

In the end, little Preston Davey — an innocent baby who deserved love and safety — received neither. His killers will spend their days in places designed for the worst society has to offer. For his family, no prison term can ever be enough.