Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Causing Devastating Gas Explosion in Derby
A man who caused a catastrophic gas explosion that destroyed his partner's home and severely damaged five neighbouring terrace houses in Derby has been handed an 11-year prison sentence. Paul Solway, 58, ignited the blast after his partner, Joanne Waterfall, kicked him out of her property in Alvaston on the evening of 10 June last year.
Reckless Actions Lead to Community Devastation
Solway admitted six counts of damaging property while being reckless as to whether life was endangered at a hearing in January. The court heard that he was having a "meltdown" and disconnected a gas pipe before setting a chair in the kitchen on fire, which ignited the gas. Video footage released by Derbyshire Constabulary captured the moment the front of the house was blown into the street towards a passing car.
Judge Shaun Smith KC, sentencing Solway at Derby Crown Court, described the effects as "devastating." He noted that the front wall of the house had been blown out into the street, and residents lost significant savings, with some now reliant on council-provided accommodation. "What you did in the end was you affected your community, your own little community on that street. Not one of them escaped the consequences, really, of what you did that night," the judge stated.
Victims Left with Nothing After Explosion
Joanne Waterfall, who walked away with only one outfit, expressed her devastation after the sentencing. "I have got nothing. I have had to start off from absolutely zero. I walked away with one outfit and that was it," she said. Waterfall added that she believed Solway had "plotted" the crime to get back at her and felt the 11-year sentence was insufficient, stating, "Eleven years for six houses. It's nothing, isn't it? I've never had an apology from him. He's got no remorse."
The court heard that another homeowner has been in a "really dark place" since her house, which had been in her family for four generations, was partly demolished. Neighbours suffered thousands of pounds in damage to their houses and cars, with Waterfall lacking home insurance and losing everything she owned.
Aftermath and Police Response
Solway suffered serious burns in the explosion and was placed in a medically induced coma. He appeared in court via video link from HMP Nottingham, wearing a green T-shirt and a white bandage around one arm. Prosecutor Paul Raudnitz KC detailed that Solway had been punching a garden fence before the explosion and told a neighbour he was "going to be dead by tonight." After the blast, Solway emerged from the rear of the property with his hair burned off and told officers it was gas, confirming only he and a dog were inside.
DC Shaun Carter of Derbyshire Police commented on the case, saying, "Solway's decision to cut this gas pipe left him in hospital but also caused distress and devastation to other members of the community in Derby. Almost a year has passed since this incident yet many families are still dealing with the impact of his reckless and dangerous actions." He added that while no sentence could restore what was lost, he hoped the imprisonment would help victims look to the future.
Judge Smith made Solway subject to a restraining order prohibiting contact with Waterfall, emphasising the long-term impact on the Alvaston community. The incident highlights the severe consequences of reckless behaviour involving gas and property damage, leaving multiple families to rebuild their lives from scratch.
