Varley, 37, had once held complete control over Preston Davey, the 13-month-old child he adopted before subjecting him to a devastating campaign of abuse that ended in the baby’s death. But after his conviction, that control disappeared. Instead of living the comfortable life he had carefully created outside prison, he found himself facing a future surrounded by some of the country’s most dangerous and infamous offenders.
When Varley arrived at Wakefield, he was taken into a harsh and intimidating environment where prisoners convicted of serious crimes are held under strict security measures. The prison, known for housing some of Britain’s most notorious criminals, contains inmates serving lengthy sentences for murder, sexual offences, and other violent crimes.
His first days were spent under protective measures. After his sentencing, Varley was initially placed in a healthcare unit for around ten days, partly to protect him and partly to help him adjust to prison life. The unit allowed staff to monitor vulnerable prisoners closely before they were moved into the wider prison population.
During this period, Varley requested to be identified by the name Harry Jae Robb, adding the middle name Jae, which had previously been used by people close to him. The decision was reportedly made because he believed his identity had made him a target and that changing his name could reduce the risk of attacks from other prisoners.
Sources claimed that Varley was extremely fearful about his future behind bars. He was aware that crimes involving children often provoke strong reactions from other inmates, and he reportedly believed he had become a target because of the details surrounding Preston’s death.
After moving to D Wing, Varley began serving his life sentence in an area described as containing some of the prison’s most vulnerable and high-risk inmates. The wing has historically held prisoners convicted of serious sexual offences and crimes involving children, with security measures designed to protect those who face the greatest threats from other prisoners.
Despite attempts to hide his identity, prison sources suggested that it would be difficult for Varley to remain unknown forever. Some inmates had already approached his cell, reportedly trying to discover more about him. However, he was also said to have received some level of support from at least one prisoner he knew from outside.
The reality of prison life was a dramatic change from the image Varley had previously presented to the world. Before his arrest, he and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, had created the appearance of a successful and comfortable lifestyle. They had moved into an expensive family home and appeared to be building a new future. However, that image collapsed after investigators uncovered the abuse suffered by Preston.
During the trial, prosecutors described Varley as someone who had manipulated situations and abused his position of trust. The court heard that Preston had experienced physical, sexual, and emotional abuse during the final months of his short life. Varley was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison for his role in the child’s death.
McGowan-Fazakerley was also convicted for his involvement and received a lengthy prison sentence for offences including sexual assault, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child.
HMP Wakefield, where Varley was eventually transferred, has a long and difficult history. Originally established centuries ago, the prison has become associated with some of Britain’s most high-profile offenders. Its high walls and strict security systems now hold hundreds of prisoners considered serious risks to the public or those requiring exceptional supervision.
Among the prisoners connected with the facility are notorious criminals responsible for some of the country’s most shocking crimes. The prison has previously held figures such as child killers, serial offenders, and individuals convicted of multiple murders. The presence of such inmates contributes to the intense security environment within the prison.
Varley’s fears were reportedly increased after hearing about violent attacks on other notorious prisoners. He was said to have worried about suffering a similar fate to other high-profile offenders who became targets while incarcerated.
One well-known example was Ian Watkins, the former Lostprophets singer, who was serving a lengthy sentence for child abuse offences before being fatally attacked by another prisoner. Other offenders have also been seriously assaulted while serving time at high-security facilities.
As Varley begins his life sentence, he faces the reality of spending decades in an environment where his past crimes may continue to define him. His attempt to create a new identity may provide temporary protection, but the severity of his actions means that remaining anonymous inside prison could prove extremely difficult.
The man who once controlled the life of a helpless child now lives under strict restrictions himself, surrounded by prisoners and security measures that ensure every movement is monitored. The future ahead is one defined not by the life he once built, but by the consequences of the crime that brought him there.
