Man Jailed for 11 Years After Deliberate Gas Explosion Destroys Homes
A man who deliberately caused a massive gas explosion that destroyed six homes in Derby during a violent "meltdown" has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. Paul Solway, 58, cut a gas pipe and set fire to a chair after his partner, Joanne Waterfall, kicked him out of their shared home, leading to a devastating blast that ripped through a residential street.
Details of the Explosion and Aftermath
The incident occurred on the evening of June 10th last year at Eden Street in Alvaston, Derby. Solway, in a state of distress, disconnected a gas pipe in the basement before igniting a chair in the kitchen, which caused the gas to explode. The force of the blast blew the front wall of the terraced house into the street, narrowly missing a passing car, and severely damaged multiple neighbouring properties.
Two homes had to be demolished due to the extent of the damage, while three others suffered significant structural harm. Several parked vehicles were also destroyed or damaged in the explosion. Residents were forced to evacuate their homes for several days as a large multi-agency operation, involving police and emergency services, secured the area.
Injuries and Rescue Efforts
Solway and the family dog were trapped in the rubble following the explosion and had to be rescued by emergency responders. The dog made a full recovery, but Solway sustained severe burns and spent several weeks in hospital, including time in a medically induced coma. He was later photographed with bandages covering his injuries after being discharged from medical care.
His partner, Ms Waterfall, was not in the house at the time but lost all her belongings in the blast and subsequent demolition. She stated in court that she "walked away with one outfit" and has had to rebuild her life from scratch, expressing frustration that Solway showed no remorse or apology for his actions.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Derby Crown Court, Solway admitted six counts of damaging property recklessly, endangering lives. Appearing via video-link from HMP Nottingham, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison and must serve two-thirds of that term before being considered for release. Judge Shaun Smith KC emphasised the devastating impact on the community, noting that residents lost savings and now rely on council-provided accommodation.
A restraining order was also issued, prohibiting Solway from contacting Ms Waterfall. In her victim statement, she criticised the sentence as insufficient, saying, "Eleven years for six houses. It's nothing, isn't it?"
Police Investigation and Community Impact
Detective Constable Shaun Carter of Derbyshire Police highlighted that the explosion was deliberate, resulting from tampering with the gas supply. He acknowledged that many families are still dealing with the aftermath nearly a year later, losing homes and possessions. One homeowner, whose house had been in her family for four generations, was described as being in a "really dark place" after the partial demolition of her property.
The court heard that Solway had been punching a garden fence before the explosion and told a neighbour he would "be dead by tonight," indicating his distressed state. Despite his claims of having no recollection of the events, evidence confirmed his intentional actions led to the catastrophe.
