Jamie Varley is reportedly “not coping” behind bars and “refusing to leave his cell” while serving a whole life sentence for the murder of baby Preston Davey, according to prison insiders. The “terrified” offender is said to be “feeling sorry for himself” and making himself “more of a target” through his conduct at HMP Wakefield.

Varley is understood to be held in segregation, with officers monitoring him around the clock due to concerns he poses a suicide risk. He remains confined to his cell for most of the day but is offered limited time outside for exercise, which insiders claim he is declining to take up.

A source said: “Officers are keeping close tabs on him but that won’t last forever as they don’t have enough staff. They have even offered him separate exercise – although he hasn’t been taking it.

“He will not leave, he is terrified. But he is only making it worse for himself. He will have to leave eventually, and it is better to get it done with early in the hope it can become normal for him on some level. He is just drawing more attention to himself.”, reports the Daily Star.

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Preston died after being rushed to hospital in 2023(Image: Lancashire Police/PA Wire)

Prison authorities have reportedly brought in specialists to assist him with the adjustment from “civvy life” to life behind bars.

“His life is over as he knows it. He has spent one week inside, and has forever to go. He needs to find a new normal and quick. He is making himself more of a target, if that’s even possible,” the insider continued. They have got a therapist which is offered to all new prisoners. Who knows if he will take any of the advice given though. The sooner he accepts it the better, he is not going anywhere any time soon. Given the scale of the crimes he committed and the public outcry, it was always going to be a well publicised case, and that is what is terrifying him.

“He knows he is a wanted man and he knows there are many, many violent people out there to get him. But many find it ironic he did not think twice about being violent to a helpless little baby, there is not much sympathy. But even though staff have little empathy, they still have a duty of care to him and that’s why the decision has been made to get him some help. You hear of it sometimes, people not coping. But he really is not coping.”

The 37-year-old received a whole-life order for the horrific abuse and killing of the tragic infant in a crime that appalled the nation. He is currently detained at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire – the maximum-security Category A facility infamous for holding some of Britain’s most dangerous criminals, including child murderers, terrorists and high-risk sex offenders.

The insider revealed Varley is living in terror following the murder of paedophile Ian Watkins while in custody. They added: “Varley is absolutely terrified. He is also confined to his cell and has barely eaten since he got to Wakefield. It is the move he dreaded and pretty much the worst outcome for him. Varley will have an awful time at the prison, which is what he deserves.”