Mum's anger that Benwell drugs lab caused blast that killed her seven-year-old son Archie York
by Sophie Doughty · ChronicleLiveArchie York's heartbroken mum has told of her anger at the cause of the the deadly explosion that killed her boy starting to come out.
Reece Galbraith today pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter in connection with the devastating blast, in Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle six months ago. And it was revealed the explosion was caused by a dangerous drugs lab that had been set-up in the property beneath Archie's home, where butane gas was being used to make cannabis 'gummies'.
Galbraith, of Rectory Road, Gateshead, also admitted producing cannabis and being concerned in the supply of cannabis, during an appearance at Newcastle Crown Court this morning. After the 33-year-old admitted the offences Northumbria Police revealed detectives had established that drugs had been set-up to produce cannabis concentrates, known as ‘shatter’ or ‘butane honey oil’. It was being operated in the property used by Galbraith and Jason Laws, 35, who was also killed in the blast.
Now as Galbraith awaits sentence, Archie's mum has told of the devastating moment she discovered her seven-year-old son's death was not an accident.
Katherine Errington, 27, said: "It's still really raw at the moment, but I'm just happy that the truth is finally starting to unfold. I didn't know anything about cannabis shatter but I have searched it when it came out that is what caused it.
"One of the main things it said was don't use it in an enclosed place. They knew the dangers of it but carried on anyway. It just didn't need to happen."
Archie and his family were asleep at their home, on Violet Close, when the explosion happened during the early hours of October 16. Katherine was in one room with her new baby Finley, while Archie and his dad, Robbie, 27, slept in another. Katherine and Robbie were taken to hospital for treatment, while little Finley was uninjured.
In the aftermath of the explosion, which also forced dozens of families from their homes, rumours began circulating about what could have caused it.
"There was lots of speculation going on," said Katherine. "I'm not one for reading stuff like that, but there were people talking about the boiler and stuff like that. There was that much going on I didn't know what was the truth.
"It makes it worse knowing that it wasn't an accident and that someone has done that knowing the dangers."
Judge Paul Sloan KC warned Galbraith, who appeared in court on a video-link from prison, that he was facing a "significant" prison sentence.
He said: "The sentencing hearing has been fixed in your case and is listed on May 14. You will be produced at court in person on that date. You should understand, the fact I'm adjourning sentence and directing the preparation of a pre-sentence report is not an indication of the sentence that will be imposed. As you will be aware, you face a significant immediate custodial sentence.
"The length of that sentence will be determined by Mr Justice Cotter at the sentencing hearing in May. You will be remanded in custody pending sentence."
After the pleas, Det Chief Insp Katie Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a truly tragic case in which two people died, including young Archie who had his whole life ahead of him.
“Our thoughts remain with his family, friends and all those who have been left heartbroken by what has happened. At a time of unimaginable tragedy, the community has come together to support each other and provide the information we needed for such a complex investigation.
“The tireless work of all involved left Reece Galbraith with little choice but to plead guilty to all charges in the face of overwhelming evidence.”
She added: “The process of creating ‘cannabis shatter’ and other drugs in this way is exceptionally dangerous. The truly devastating impact of this case should be enough to make anyone doing this to think again.
“We would also urge anyone who has any information about the production of drugs to come forward so we can take action – you could save someone’s life.”
Christopher Atkinson, Head of the Complex Casework Unit for CPS North East, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Archie York, whose tragic death last year shocked the community of Benwell. It is clear from the evidence in this case that the explosion which took Archie’s life was caused by a build-up of butane in the address used by Jason Laws, who also died in the blast. That address had been the site of an illegal operation producing a highly concentrated form of cannabis, through a dangerous process involving the use of large quantities of flammable butane gas.
“The Crown Prosecution Service has worked closely with Northumbria Police to build a robust case against Reece Galbraith for his involvement in that operation, which has been instrumental in securing his guilty pleas to all charges against him.
“We hope that today’s convictions bring some measure of comfort to the family of Archie York, at what must remain an incredibly difficult time for them.”
Paying tribute to her son, Katherine described Archie as a "happy" little boy who loved playing with his friends. She added: "Archie was a very cheeky little boy, he did light up the room everywhere.
"He loved playing on Fortnite, he loved playing outside with his friends and he loved going to school. He was just a happy lad."
Katherine said that in the weeks before he died, the Bridgewater Primary School pupil had taken to his new role as a big brother with pride. "He was so looking forward to to being a big brother," she said. "When I was pregnant he kept saying; 'When is the baby coming?'
"He just loved looking after Finley. He loved changing his nappies and bathing him. He was very hands on. It's just so sad I can't watch them grow up together. That's just been ripped away."
Archie was finally laid to rest in January following a Marvel-themed service at Newcastle's West Road Crematorium. In lieu of flowers, his family invited donations to be made to the Newcastle Hospitals Charity. They have since donated almost £700 to the Great North Children's Hospital in Archie's memory.
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