Man pleads guilty to causing explosion at Derby house
“Solway’s actions on this day were not only reckless but incredibly dangerous. It is only by pure luck that no-one, other than Solway himself, was injured.”
A man has pleaded guilty to causing an explosion at a house in Derby.
Paul Solway was seriously injured in the blast, which occurred on June 10, 2025, after he tampered with the gas main at his house in Eden Street.
The damage was so severe, that Solway’s home, as well as two neighbouring properties, had to be demolished. Damage was also caused to several other properties as well as vehicles parked nearby.
Residents living in Eden Street were forced to leave their homes for several days while demolition work took place, with a massive multi-agency operation in force.
Solway, and the family’s dog, were both rescued from the rubble. The dog went on to make a full recovery while Solway spent several weeks in hospital with severe burns.
Investigations found that the explosion was deliberate and was caused by the ignition of natural gas following deliberate tampering with the gas supply main.
Solway, who was the only person in the house at the time, was arrested and told police he had no recollection of the day and that he wouldn’t have tampered with the gas main.
The 57-year-old, of no fixed address, was subsequently charged with criminal damage with intent to endanger life.
During an appearance at Derby Crown Court on Thursday January 29, Solway pleaded guilty to six counts of damaging property, being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
He will be sentenced at the same court on Wednesday April 8.
Detective Constable Shaun Carter, who led the investigation, said: “Solway’s actions on this day were not only reckless but incredibly dangerous.
“It is only by pure luck that no-one, other than Solway himself, was injured.
“Having said that, the impact this explosion had on the residents of Eden Street and the wider community was enormous.
“Some people lost their homes, while others had damage to their properties or vehicles.
“The financial cost as well as the emotional cost 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.”