The five-bedroom detached home in Grimsargh, Lancashire, purchased by Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley just 22 days after they murdered 13-month-old Preston Davey, has been relisted for sale at a reduced price of £370,000. This is £79,995 less than the £449,995 the couple paid on August 18, 2023.
Failed Auction Leads to Relisting
The property initially sold at auction in March 2026 for a fraction of its original value, but the sale fell through. A new auction began on Monday, June 30, 2026, and is set to conclude on July 13, 2026. The auction listing describes the house as an "immaculate" residence "beautifully positioned" with two reception rooms, five bedrooms, and three bathrooms, calling it an "absolute MUST SEE" with "no chain delay."
While the auction site does not name the previous owners, the Rightmove listing states: "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."
Background of the Case
Preston Davey died in hospital on July 27, 2023, after suffering cardiac arrest. He had been subjected to months of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse after being placed with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley in March 2023. A post-mortem examination revealed approximately 40 injuries consistent with sexual abuse.
Varley, 37, a school teacher, was initially arrested on suspicion of murder, child cruelty, and sexual offences. McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, who worked in finance, was arrested on suspicion of causing or allowing a child's death and neglect. The pair continued living in the Grimsargh home for nearly a year, decorating extravagantly for holidays, until they were re-arrested in 2025 and charged.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During a seven-week trial at Preston Crown Court, Varley denied involvement, claiming Preston accidentally drowned. McGowan-Fazakerley claimed ignorance of the abuse. The jury convicted Varley of murder, sexual offences, causing grievous bodily harm, cruelty, and indecent image offences. He received a whole-life order, meaning he will likely never be released. McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of causing or allowing a child's death, cruelty, and sexual assault, and was sentenced to 25 years.
Missed Warning Signs
In the months before Preston's death, there were multiple warning signs. In May 2023, he was hospitalized after becoming limp and unresponsive, with bruising to his head. On June 30, he was admitted with a rash, diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever, again with head bruising. The couple provided video footage of a toy box falling on him, but the recording was made 12 days earlier. On July 6, Preston was treated for a fractured elbow. The next day, an independent social services assessor visited, and Varley had confided in a colleague about having "dark thoughts" of drowning or suffocating the child.
A Child Safeguarding Practice Review is ongoing to examine potential missed opportunities to prevent Preston's death.
