A man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for causing a gas explosion that destroyed a terrace house after his partner ended their relationship. Paul Solway, 58, triggered the blast at Joanne Waterfall’s residence in Alvaston, Derby, on the evening of June 10 last year, during what was described as a “meltdown.”
Surveillance footage from Derbyshire police captured the moment the front of the house was blasted into the street, narrowly missing a passing vehicle. Waterfall was forced to leave with only the clothes she was wearing, while the explosion resulted in extensive damage amounting to thousands of pounds, necessitating the demolition of two nearby homes.
In January, Solway pleaded guilty to six charges of reckless property damage that endangered lives, affecting a total of six houses. Appearing remotely at Derby Crown Court from HMP Nottingham, Solway wore a green T-shirt and had a white bandage on one arm.
Following the sentencing, Waterfall expressed her devastation, stating, “I have lost everything. I started from absolutely nothing. I walked away with just one outfit.” She expressed dissatisfaction with Solway’s sentence, remarking, “In my opinion, it should have been longer. Eleven years for destroying six homes is minimal. I’ve never received an apology from him, and he shows no remorse.” She suggested that Solway had premeditated the act as revenge against her.
During the sentencing, Judge Shaun Smith KC noted the severe consequences of Solway’s actions, highlighting the destruction of the front wall of the house and the financial ruin faced by the victims. “People have lost significant amounts of money and are now dependent on council support,” he stated. “Your actions have had a profound impact on your community; everyone in that neighborhood has been affected in some way by what you did.”
Prosecutor Paul Raudnitz KC detailed that Solway was in an agitated state before the explosion, having been seen striking a garden fence and making a concerning statement to a neighbor about his intentions. After Waterfall had left the house and urged him to vacate, Solway became increasingly distressed, ultimately disconnecting a gas pipe and igniting a chair in the kitchen, which led to the explosion.
Post-explosion, Solway was seen exiting the back of the house with significant burns, and while receiving oxygen treatment, he mentioned to officers that he would turn off the gas in the basement. He confirmed he was alone in the house with only his dog.
Judge Smith summarized Waterfall’s statement, emphasizing that the explosion and subsequent demolition had left her without any possessions or home, as she lacked insurance. The court also heard testimony from a neighbor who had been deeply affected since her family home, passed down for generations, was partly destroyed.
Several other residents also reported incurring substantial damages to their properties and vehicles. The judge issued a restraining order preventing Solway from contacting Waterfall.
Detective Constable Shaun Carter of Derbyshire police remarked on the lasting impact of Solway’s reckless actions, stating, “His choice to sever the gas pipe not only resulted in his hospitalization but also caused immense hardship for others in the Derby community. Nearly a year later, many families are still grappling with the aftermath of his dangerous conduct. While no sentence can restore what these individuals have lost, I hope this outcome allows them to begin looking toward the future.”
