The mother of Archie York, a seven-year-old killed in a Newcastle explosion, has vowed to fight to keep his killer behind bars after learning he could be freed early under new sentencing changes.
Killer Eligible for Early Release
Reece Galbraith, who set up a deadly cannabis shatter lab in the flat below Archie's home, was jailed for 14 years for manslaughter. Under the Sentencing Act 2026, introduced to ease prison overcrowding, Galbraith could be released after serving just half his sentence.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham initially paused the policy for review but announced it will proceed in October, with rapists, child sex offenders, and grooming gang offenders blocked from early release. However, child killers convicted of manslaughter remain eligible.
Mother's Plea
Katherine Errington, Archie's mum, has pleaded with the Prime Minister to reconsider, urging ministers to look at the devastation caused by individual crimes, not just the offences. She told the Chronicle she will keep fighting to prevent her son's killer from returning to the streets early.
"I'm gutted. It doesn't get any worse than what he did. They need to look at each offence more closely," she said. "I'm not staying quiet, I have still got a few years left. I'm just going to fight this until he's released."
Explosion Tragedy
Archie was asleep at his home on Violet Close in Benwell when the explosion destroyed his flat and neighbouring properties in October 2024. His dad, Robbie York, Katherine, and baby Finley escaped without serious injury, but Archie's body was later found in debris.
Galbraith had been manufacturing cannabis shatter with his friend Jason Laws, 35, who also died in the blast. Galbraith pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter, producing cannabis, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis, receiving a 14-year sentence at Newcastle Crown Court.
Prime Minister's Decision
Mr Burnham defended the changes, saying the prison system would collapse if he blocked more releases. He said: "Keeping the public safe is my top priority. That's why I asked for an urgent review of the prisoner release scheme. I fully understand the anger, anxiety and distress that's been caused. I've heard that loud and clear. That's why we're making significant changes. Offenders who have been sentenced for rape, serious child sex offences and other grooming offences will be excluded from the changes."
Katherine welcomed the exclusion of sex offenders but is furious that child killers like Galbraith are still included. "I'm with Andy Burnham, I totally agree with him that rapists shouldn't be on the streets, but he's letting child killers out on the streets," she said. "I'm just so lost for words, I don't think he's actually listened to the victims. We have been let down from the start."
She fears Galbraith could harm others if freed after seven years. "Reece will be able to get on with his life after seven years," she said. "It doesn't feel like justice. He should be in prison for the full sentence. He's showed no remorse. As soon as he could apply for a lesser sentence he did. If people want a lesser sentence knowing they have killed a child, that in my eyes means there's no remorse there."
