The home purchased by former teacher Jamie Varley and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley after they murdered their adopted baby son, Preston Davey, has been put up for sale with an £80,000 reduction on its original asking price.
Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley bought the newly built house in Grimsargh, near Preston, for £450,000 in 2023. The detached property features a double garage, a spacious driveway, and a manicured garden. Despite the suburban appearance, the couple subjected 13-month-old Preston to systematic physical, sexual, and emotional abuse during the four months leading up to his death on July 27, 2023.
Earlier this month, Varley was sentenced to a whole life order for murder, and McGowan-Fazakerley received a 25-year sentence for child abuse. The couple's home is now listed for £370,000, with estate agents including a disclaimer regarding its criminal associations.
During the investigation, Varley claimed Preston had drowned accidentally in a bath, but a post-mortem revealed 40 traumatic injuries. Both men were arrested on suspicion of child cruelty, murder, and sexual abuse shortly after Preston's death. Despite these arrests, they purchased the Grimsargh property for £449,995 just three weeks later, in August 2023, funding it with a mortgage.
New listings for the property state: "The vendor is currently serving a custodial sentence following conviction for offences involving minors. 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."
The property is described as an "immaculate five-bedroom detached residence" in a sought-after location. The listing highlights spacious living areas, a contemporary finish, a garden, and a CCTV system. Neighbors recalled the couple's elaborate holiday decorations, noting their efforts to appear respectable within the community.
Preston had been taken to the hospital three times prior to his death, including for breathing difficulties, an unexplained rash with noted bruising, and a broken elbow. Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were convicted of numerous charges related to Preston's abuse and death. Prosecutors described the case as one of the most "shocking and horrific" they had encountered.
Preston's mother, Sarah Davey, was serving a life sentence for murder at the time of his conception and was recalled to prison shortly after. His maternal grandmother, Debbie Davey, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, was unable to adopt him, leading to his placement in care. Oldham Council, which was responsible for Preston's care, stated that an independent child safeguarding practice review is underway.
Varley, a former secondary school teacher, and McGowan-Fazakerley, a sales manager, were approved as adoptive parents after an extensive vetting process that included home visits, background checks, and training. They were matched with Preston after viewing his biography on an adoption agency website. The couple reportedly spent heavily on preparations for his arrival, with Varley taking a year off work to care for him.
Concerns were raised by Preston's foster carer, Sandra Cooper, about the couple's cancellations of introductory meetings. However, social workers reportedly accepted the couple's explanations, and the extent of the abuse went unnoticed until Preston's death.