WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: A lavish Lancashire property purchased by Preston Davey’s convicted adoptive parents just 22 days after the toddler’s murder is back on the housing market at a reduced price after a failed auction
A plush property bought by the wicked adoptive parents of Preston Davey just 22 days after his murder is back up for sale.
As detectives delved into a chilling investigation into the sudden death of the 13-month-old, murderous father Jamie Varley and his cruel partner John McGowan-Fazakerley were busy embarking on a fresh start together.
The twisted pair forked out £449,995 on a five-bedroom detached family home, tucked away in the peaceful Lancashire village of Grimsargh. Their neighbours were oblivious to their sickening secret.
Despite initially being sold at auction back in March for a fraction of its original price, estate agents have now exclusively informed the Mirror that the sale fell through and it’s back on the market. The auction was restarted on Monday, with a guide price of £370,000. This is £79,995 less than what the couple paid for it on August 18, 2023.
The new auction is due to conclude on July 13, 2026. The auction listing paints the property as an “immaculate” residence “beautifully positioned” in a desirable location, boasting two reception rooms, five bedrooms and three bathrooms. The house is also eerily described as an “absolute MUST SEE” with “no chain delay”.
While the auction site doesn’t mention the previous owners, the listing on Rightmove states: “The vendor is currently serving a custodial sentence following conviction for offences involving minors.”
It continues: “It is understood that the offences were not committed at the property. This information is being provided in the interests of transparency and to assist prospective purchasers in making an informed decision.
“Buyers should undertake their own enquiries and satisfy themselves as to any matters that may influence their decision to bid for or purchase the property.”
Residents in the small Lancashire village had been completely oblivious to Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley when they initially relocated to the luxurious residence.
They were unaware that the twisted pair had spent months mistreating and terrorising their 13-month-old son, before relocating to the new address just days following his killing. Baby Preston passed away in hospital on July 27, 2023 after experiencing cardiac arrest.
Within hours, school teacher Varley was detained on suspicion of murder, child cruelty and sexual offences involving a child. McGowan-Fazakerley, who was employed in finance, was detained on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of a child and neglect.
For nearly a year, the pair remained living together amongst unsuspecting residents until they were re-arrested in 2025 and subsequently both charged – with locals knowing them chiefly for their extravagant festive decorations. Neighbours remembered the pair adorning their property for Christmas, Halloween and Easter.
One arrangement included a life-sized cardboard Easter bunny where neighbourhood children could pause and take pictures, while the drive was adorned with Easter eggs and festive decorations. One local said the property became somewhat of a neighbourhood attraction due to the enthusiasm the duo showed for celebrating special occasions.
Reflecting on events, she said it was impossible to square the welcoming persona they displayed with the offences later revealed in court.. She told the Daily Mail: “We don’t have kids but I remember thinking if we did, our children would have been involved in all of that. We would probably have gone inside.
“You would often see them out at the front of the house, especially during Christmas Easter and Halloween. They certainly did not behave as if they had something to hide”.
The shocking charade eventually began to crumble when officers carried out a warrant at the address in June 2024 and charged both men.
Throughout a harrowing seven-week trial at Preston Crown Court, jurors learnt how Preston had endured extensive physical, emotional and sexual abuse following his placement with the pair in March 2023.. A post-mortem examination revealed the youngster had suffered around 40 injuries consistent with sex abuse.
Prosecutors described the case as one of the most appalling they have ever handled. Varley, 37, initially denied any involvement in the child’s death, asserting that Preston had accidentally drowned in the bath and later suggesting that medical issues related to reflux were the cause.
McGowan-Fazakerley insisted he was oblivious to any abuse and refuted participation in sexual offences.. However, the jury quickly saw through their deceit. Varley was found guilty of murder, sexual offences, causing grievous bodily harm, cruelty and indecent image offences.
McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child, cruelty and sexual assault. Last week, Varley received a whole-life order, meaning he will likely never be released from prison. McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was sentenced to 25 years after being found guilty of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual abuse..
Sadly, there had been numerous warning signs in the months leading up to Preston’s death. In May, he was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital after becoming limp and unresponsive.. Medical staff observed bruising to his head and recorded concerns about unexplained injuries, although following discussions with clinicians the bruising was not ultimately treated as suspicious.
A month later, on June 30, Preston returned to hospital with a rash, diarrhoea, vomiting and a high temperature. Staff once again noted bruising to his head.. The pair presented medical staff with footage of a toy box toppling onto him during play, accounting for the injuries. It subsequently transpired the recording had been made 12 days prior.. Days following that incident, on July 6, Preston was returned to hospital with an injured arm.
An X-ray disclosed a fractured elbow and a cast was fitted.. The next day, an independent assessor, Helen Magee, from Oldham social services called on Preston at home. Meanwhile, Varley was confiding in others that he was finding things difficult. During the same week, he discussed with a colleague having “dark thoughts” involving drowning or suffocating the child.
A Child Safeguarding Practice Review will now continue following the conclusion of criminal proceedings, examining any potential missed chances that might have prevented Preston’s death.
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