The mother of a seven-year-old boy killed in a drug factory explosion has vowed to fight to keep his killer behind bars. Katherine Errington has spoken out after learning that Reece Galbraith, who admitted manslaughter, could be freed after serving just half of his 14-year sentence.
Deadly blast in Newcastle
Archie York died almost two years ago after a powerful explosion caused by a dangerous drug factory in the flat below his home in Benwell, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Galbraith set up the lab producing cannabis shatter and was jailed in connection with the October 2024 blast, which also killed Jason Laws, 35.
Archie's parents, Katherine Errington and Robbie York, were recently told that Galbraith, 33, could be released early under a scheme aimed at reducing prison populations. Katherine described the prospect as "disgusting" and has appealed directly to the Prime Minister to reconsider the policy.
Mother's plea
Katherine said: "I'm gutted. It doesn't get any worse than what he did. They need to look at each offence more closely. I'm not staying quiet, I have still got a few years left. I'm just going to fight this until he's released. Why should I just take this on the chin. I'm not accepting it. The way I see it is I have still got three kids now and I'm still mothering Archie. This is what I can do for him."
Child-killers convicted of manslaughter, like Galbraith, are still eligible for release after serving half their sentence. Katherine has vowed to continue campaigning against the early release of those responsible for the deaths of children.
Council leader backs campaign
Newcastle council leader Colin Ferguson has supported Katherine's views, saying: "I welcome the decision to review the early release scheme. The full implications of what this could mean for victims' families, communities and public confidence in the justice system have not been fully considered."
He added: "Archie York was just seven years old when his life was cruelly taken from him. He was asleep in his own home, a place where every child should feel safe and protected. Instead, his family suffered the unimaginable horror of losing a beloved son through no fault of their own. Archie's death was not a tragic accident. It was the consequence of reckless and criminal actions."
Ferguson concluded: "The prospect of those responsible for the death of a child being released early is deeply distressing for bereaved families. We owe it to every child and every community affected by such heartbreaking tragedies to ensure our laws properly reflect the seriousness of these offences."
