A man whose deliberate tampering with a gas main caused a catastrophic explosion at his Midlands home has admitted his reckless actions in court.
Devastating Blast Destroys Multiple Properties
Paul Solway, 57, was seriously injured when the massive explosion ripped through his property on Eden Street in Derby on June 10 last year. The blast was so powerful that his home had to be completely demolished, along with two neighbouring properties that were also destroyed in the incident.
Widespread Damage and Community Disruption
Several other properties on Eden Street sustained significant damage, with parked vehicles in the vicinity also affected by the force of the explosion. Residents were forced to leave their homes for several days while emergency demolition work took place, with a major multi-agency operation involving police, fire services, and utility companies deployed to secure the area.
Solway was rescued from the rubble of his destroyed home alongside the family dog, who remarkably made a full recovery from the incident. Solway himself spent several weeks in hospital receiving treatment for severe burns sustained in the explosion.
Deliberate Tampering Uncovered
A thorough investigation by Derbyshire Constabulary determined that the explosion was deliberate, caused by the ignition of natural gas following intentional interference with the gas supply main. Solway, who was the only person in the house at the time of the blast, was subsequently arrested.
Despite telling officers he had no recollection of the day and claiming he wouldn't have tampered with the gas main, forensic evidence and witness statements built a compelling case against him.
Guilty Plea Entered at Crown Court
Solway, who is currently of no fixed address, appeared at Derby Crown Court on Thursday, January 29 where he pleaded guilty to six counts of damaging property while being reckless as to whether life was endangered. The charges specifically relate to criminal damage with intent to endanger life.
The court heard how Solway's actions had put numerous lives at risk and caused extensive property damage throughout the residential street. He is now awaiting sentencing at the same court on April 8.
Investigation Reveals Reckless Behaviour
Detective Constable Shaun Carter, who led the investigation for Derbyshire Constabulary, condemned Solway's actions as both reckless and incredibly dangerous. He emphasised that it was only through pure luck that no-one other than Solway himself sustained injuries in the devastating blast.
The detective stated: "The impact this explosion had on the residents of Eden Street and the wider community was enormous. Some people lost their homes completely, while others had significant damage to their properties or vehicles."
"The financial cost as well as the emotional and mental cost to them all cannot be underestimated. I hope that he will now spend a considerable period of time behind bars facing the consequences of his actions."
Community Recovery Continues
The incident has left a lasting impact on the Derby community, with residents still dealing with the aftermath of the explosion nearly eight months later. The case highlights the severe consequences that can result from interfering with gas supplies and the importance of proper safety measures around utility infrastructure.
Local authorities continue to work with affected residents as they rebuild their lives and properties following the traumatic event that disrupted their neighbourhood.
