Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Causing Devastating House Explosion in Derby
Paul Solway, a 58-year-old man, has been jailed for 11 years after causing a catastrophic explosion at a terraced house in Derby. The incident occurred on the evening of June 10 last year at his partner Joanne Waterfall's home on Eden Street in Alvaston.
Reckless Actions Lead to Community Devastation
Solway was having what prosecutors described as a 'meltdown' when he deliberately disconnected a gas pipe and set fire to a chair in the kitchen. This ignited the gas, causing an explosion that blew the front wall of the property into the street, narrowly missing a passing car.
The blast left Solway with serious burns, including having his hair completely burnt off, and he was placed in a medically induced coma. He emerged from the back of the property after the explosion and was treated with oxygen by emergency responders.
Widespread Damage and Community Impact
The consequences of Solway's actions were severe and far-reaching:
- Two neighboring properties had to be completely demolished
- Multiple homes suffered thousands of pounds in damage
- Vehicles in the area were also significantly damaged
- Residents were displaced and forced into council-provided accommodation
Judge Shaun Smith KC, sentencing at Derby Crown Court, emphasized the devastating effects on the community. "People have lost a lot of money, their savings," he said. "They are now, some of them, reliant on council-provided accommodation."
Victim Left With Nothing
Joanne Waterfall, Solway's partner, lost everything in the explosion. She told the court: "I have got nothing. I have had to start off from absolutely zero. I walked away with one outfit and that was it."
Ms. Waterfall, who had no home insurance, expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence, stating: "In my eyes, I think it should have been more. Eleven years for six houses. It's nothing, isn't it? I've never had an apology from him. He's got no remorse."
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Solway appeared at Derby Crown Court via video-link from HMP Nottingham on Wednesday, April 8, wearing a green T-shirt with a white bandage around one arm. He pleaded guilty to six counts of damaging property while being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
The court heard that Solway had told a neighbor he was "going to be dead by tonight" before the explosion occurred. Prosecutors revealed that Ms. Waterfall had asked Solway to move out of the property, which made him "very upset" and triggered the destructive chain of events.
Long-Term Community Consequences
Detective Constable Shaun Carter of Derbyshire Constabulary highlighted the ongoing impact on the community: "Almost a year has passed since this incident yet many families are still dealing with the impact of his reckless and dangerous actions."
The court heard that one homeowner, whose family had lived in their property for four generations, has been in a "really dark place" since part of her house had to be demolished.
In addition to his prison sentence, Solway was made subject to a restraining order banning him from contacting Ms. Waterfall. The case serves as a stark reminder of how individual actions can have devastating consequences for entire communities.
