Just 22 days after the death of their adopted 13-month-old son Preston Davey, convicted child murderer Jamie Varley and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley completed the purchase of a £450,000 property in Grimsargh, Lancashire. The detached family home, known locally as the 'Easter Bunny' house due to its elaborate seasonal decorations, became a symbol of a fresh start for the couple, who were under arrest for Preston's death.
Neighbourhood facade
Neighbours on Chandlers Way described the pair as friendly and outgoing, heavily involved in seasonal celebrations. One neighbour told the Daily Mail: 'The house they lived in was well known due to the decorations they put out every Christmas, Easter and Halloween.' The woman explained how the men had a cardboard Easter bunny on the lawn with a hole in the top for children to pose for pictures, and filled their drive with Easter eggs. She added: '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.'
Arrest and conviction
The perception shattered on June 13, 2023, when police executed a warrant at the property and charged both men. Varley, 37, a former teacher, was sentenced to a whole life order for Preston's murder, while McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, received a 25-year prison sentence. The neighbour recalled: 'As soon as the first person mentioned this to me, I knew which house it was. It was the Easter Bunny house. What annoys me now is that they were obviously trying to get away from something. I also feel a little used. This was all a big PR stunt to show they were nice people.'
Preston's death and injuries
Preston died in hospital on July 27, 2023. Initially, Varley claimed the child had accidentally drowned in a bath, but a post-mortem examination revealed around 40 traumatic injuries. Prosecutors described the case as one of the most shocking and horrific they had encountered. Peter Wright KC told the court the pair subjected Preston to 'a litany of psychological and sexual ill-treatment.' The court heard Preston had attended hospital on several occasions before his death, including visits linked to breathing difficulties, an unexplained rash, and a broken elbow caused by rough handling.
Trial and sentencing
Following a trial lasting more than seven weeks at Preston Crown Court, jurors convicted Varley of murder, assault by penetration, sexual assault, causing grievous bodily harm, cruelty, and multiple indecent image offences. McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child, cruelty, and sexual assault. Mr Wright said Preston had been 'left at [Varley's] mercy and paid with his life' when he died. On the day he died, prosecutors said the child had been healthy and uninjured earlier in the morning before later suffering respiratory distress and a fatal collapse.
Ongoing questions
While the convictions have brought criminal proceedings to an end, questions remain over how Preston came to be placed with the couple. Oldham Council, which retained responsibility for him because his adoption had not been finalised, says an independent safeguarding review is continuing. For neighbours on Chandlers Way, the house once associated with Easter displays and festive cheer will now forever be remembered for the chilling secret concealed behind its front door.
