Reece Galbraith, a drug dealer, has been sentenced to 14 years in jail for causing an explosion while making cannabis gummy sweets. The explosion resulted in the death of seven-year-old Archie York, who was sleeping in the flat above, and Jason 'Jay' Laws, Galbraith's accomplice. The incident occurred in a Newcastle flat being used as a drugs lab in the early hours of October 16 last year.

Galbraith pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter, as well as possessing and supplying cannabis. Archie’s mother, Katherine Errington, confronted Galbraith in court, expressing her devastation and accusing him of risking lives for profit. CCTV footage released by Northumbria Police captured the severity of the blast in Violet Close, Benwell, which destroyed six out of twelve flats and led to the demolition of the entire block. The explosion left numerous families homeless and displaced over 100 people, causing an estimated £3.7 million in damages.

Investigations revealed that Galbraith and Laws were producing cannabis concentrates, known as 'shatter' or 'butane honey oil', in a dangerous process. This product was then used to create cannabis edibles, or “gummies”. Archie was asleep with his father when the explosion occurred. His mother and baby brother, Finley, were pulled from the rubble, with Finley found unharmed. Tragically, Archie was found dead later.

Katherine Errington described Archie as a 'cheeky and mischievous' boy whose personality would never be forgotten. She recounted the horror of being trapped in the rubble, hearing her baby cry, and the subsequent realization that Archie was not going to make it out alive. Errington has spoken out about the nightmare she is living and the devastating effects of shatter cannabis.

The court heard that Galbraith was found walking away from the scene immediately after the explosion, inquiring about his friend. He suffered severe burns and was hospitalized for about a month. His fingerprint was found on a butane bottle at the property, and a bag containing cannabis sweets with both Galbraith’s and Laws’ DNA was found in Laws’ car. Text messages revealed Galbraith describing how he “got squirted in the eye” while handling the gas, indicating his awareness of the dangers involved.

Experts determined that the explosion was caused by the ignition of liquid butane gas, which had accumulated during the production of shatter. Over 100 butane canisters were found in the flat, along with other sophisticated equipment. The process of making shatter is inherently dangerous due to butane's flammability and its potential to expand rapidly upon ignition. The failure of even a single butane bottle would have been catastrophic in the confined space of the flat.

Richard Wright KC, representing Galbraith, argued that his client did not intend to cause harm. However, Mr Justice Cotter emphasized that Galbraith was responsible for the loss, destruction, and the shattering of a close-knit community due to his illegal activities.

Katherine Errington expressed her anger and lack of sympathy for Laws and Galbraith, holding them responsible for Archie’s death. She aims to raise awareness about the dangers of shatter and the importance of understanding the risks associated with its production. At the time of the explosion, Galbraith was already under investigation for supplying cannabis, after police found cannabis bush, scales, and cannabis sweets in his car.