Jamie Varley, the man convicted of the horrific sexual abuse and murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey, whom he had adopted with his partner, had a disturbing history of troubling behavior that stretched back to his school days.

According to an investigation by The Sun, former schoolmates and neighbors described Varley as an “odd loner” and “hyper-sexualised” teenager whose red flags were apparent long before he became a design and technology teacher.

Shocking School Incidents

One former classmate revealed that Varley would expose himself in school, getting his genitals out in full view of others. On at least one occasion, he was caught masturbating during a lesson. The behavior was reportedly brought to the attention of the school headteacher and other staff.

The ex-pupil, who knew Varley at what was then Palatine High School in Blackpool, expressed disgust and questioned whether sufficient action had been taken at the time regarding his concerning conduct as a teenager.

A Isolated and Strange Childhood

Neighbors recalled Varley as someone who kept to himself and never joined in typical childhood activities like playing football with other kids. Instead, he was often seen pushing a doll around the street in a pram. One former neighbor described him as “a bit of a loner and an outsider” who “never wanted to knock around with us” and “didn’t leave his house much.”

“He was never one of us… It’s always the quiet ones,” the neighbor added.

The Murder of Baby Preston

Despite this background, Varley and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley were approved to adopt baby Preston Davey. Just four months later, in July 2023, the 13-month-old was dead. Varley brought him to Blackpool Victoria Hospital claiming he had drowned in the bath, but a post-mortem revealed the toddler had suffered around 40 internal and external injuries, including signs of sexual abuse.

Varley, then 37, was convicted of murder, multiple counts of child cruelty, sexual offences, and taking indecent images. He received a whole-life sentence, meaning he will never be released from prison. His partner was sentenced to 25 years.

This case has sparked outrage and an ongoing safeguarding investigation into the adoption process.