EXCLUSIVE: The five-bed property where evil Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley lived under the radar amongst neighbours was sold by auction in March, but now there’s been a new development
11:37, 30 Jun 2026Updated 13:12, 30 Jun 2026
Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley’s house is back on the market after the sale fell through in March
A lavish property purchased by Preston Davey’s evil adopted parents just 22 days after his murder is back on the market, the Mirror can reveal.
While detectives worked on a harrowing investigation into the 13-month-old’s sudden death, killer dad Jamie Varley and his sadistic partner John McGowan-Fazakerley were busy starting a new life together. The warped couple splashed out £449,995 on a five-bed detached family home, nestled in the quiet Lancashire village of Grimsargh. Neighbours had no clue of their depraved secret.
Despite initially selling at auction back in March for a fraction of the price, estate agents have now told the Mirror that the sale fell through and it is back on the market. The auction was relaunched on Monday, with a guide price of £370,000 – £79,995 less than the couple purchased it for on August 18, 2023.
The house is back on the market for a fraction of the cost of what the couple paid for it in 2023(Image: Rightmove)
The new auction is set to end on July 13, 2026. The auction listing describes the property as an “immaculate” residence “beautifully positioned” in a sought-after location, with two reception rooms, five bedrooms and three bathrooms. The home is also eerily described as an “absolute MUST SEE” with “no chain delay”.
While the auction site does not make reference to the previous owners, the listing on Rightmove reads: “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.”
Preston Davey spent the final months of his life being abused by his evil adoptive parents(Image: Lancashire Police/PA Wire)
Neighbours in the small Lancashire vilage had been completely unsuspecting of Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley when they first moved into the lavish home. They had no idea that the depraved duo had spent months abusing and tormenting their 13-month-old son, before moving to the new property just days after his murder.
Baby Preston died in hospital on July 27, 2023 after suffering cardiac arrest. Within hours, school teacher Varley was arrested on suspicion of murder, child cruelty and sexual offences involving a child. McGowan-Fazakerley, who worked in finance, was arrested on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of a child and neglect.
For almost a year, the couple continued to live with each other among unsuspecting neighbours until they were re-arrested in 2025 and then both charged – with residents knowing them primarily for their elaborate holiday displays.
Neighbours recalled the couple decorating their home for Christmas, Halloween and Easter. One display featured a life-sized cardboard Easter bunny where local children could stop and pose for photographs, while the driveway was filled with Easter eggs and seasonal decorations.
One resident said the house became something of a local landmark because of the effort the pair put into marking special occasions. Looking back, she said it was impossible to reconcile the friendly image they projected with the crimes later uncovered in court.
The home comprises of two reception rooms(Image: Rightmove)
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 disturbing facade finally started to unravel when police executed a warrant at the property in June 2024 and charged both men.
During a gruelling seven-week trial at Preston Crown Court, jurors heard how Preston had suffered extensive physical, emotional and sexual abuse after being placed with the couple in March 2023.
A post-mortem examination found the toddler had sustained around 40 injuries consistent with sex abuse. Prosecutors described the case as one of the most shocking they have ever worked on.
Varley, 37, initially denied responsibility for the child’s death, claiming Preston had accidentally drowned in the bath and later claiming that medical issues linked to reflux were to blame. McGowan-Fazakerley maintained he was unaware of any abuse and denied participating in sexual offences.
But the jury soon saw through their web of lies. Varley was convicted of murder, sexual offences, causing grievous bodily harm, cruelty and indecent image offences.
Jamie Varley will serve a whole life order(Image: Lancashire Police/PA Wire)
McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child, cruelty and sexual assault. Last week, Varley was sentenced to a whole-life order, meaning he will likely never be released from prison. McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was sentenced to 25 years after being convicted of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual abuse.
Tragically, there had been a string of red flags in the months leading up to Preston’s death. In May, he was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital after becoming floppy and unresponsive.
Medical staff noted 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 again observed bruising to his head.
The couple showed medics a video of a toy box falling onto him while he played, explaining the injuries. It later emerged the footage had been recorded 12 days earlier.
Days after that, on July 6, Preston was taken back to hospital with an injured arm. An X-ray revealed a fractured elbow and a cast was applied.
Preston had lived with the couple for four months before being rushed to hospital(Image: Lancashire Police/PA Wire)
The following day, an independent reviewer, Helen Magee, from Oldham social services visited Preston at home. Behind the scenes, Varley was telling others he was struggling. During the same week, he spoke to a colleague about having “dark thoughts” involving drowning or suffocating the child.
A Child Safeguarding Practice Review will resume now the criminal proceedings have completed, looking into any potential missed opportunities that could have saved Preston’s life.