US EditionMan caused blast that destroyed partner’s house jailed for 11 years
Police said the blast was deliberate and left two neighbouring homes demolished, while Solway was jailed for 11 years after admitting six counts.
- On Wednesday, Derby Crown Court jailed Paul Solway, 58, for causing a deliberate gas explosion at his partner’s home in Alvaston, Derby, last June.
- Solway was having a "meltdown" after his partner, Joanne Waterfall, told him to move out, according to court testimony; he subsequently disconnected the gas main and ignited a chair.
- The explosion, investigated by Derbyshire Police, destroyed the property and forced the demolition of two neighboring houses, leaving residents in Eden Street with significant financial loss and a need for council-provided accommodation.
- Judge Shaun Smith KC issued a restraining order prohibiting Solway from contacting Waterfall, who stated, "I walked away with one outfit," after losing all her possessions in the blast.
- Insp Ben Wildman described the incident as a "wholly avoidable, selfish and reckless act"; while Solway remains behind bars, victims continue to struggle with the aftermath, noting he never apologized.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Moment man blows up house by cutting gas pipe after partner kicked him out
A man blew up his house by deliberately cutting a gas pipe and setting fire to a chair after his partner kicked him out. Paul Solway, 58, was having a “meltdown” following a dispute with his partner, Joanna Waterfall, when he caused the explosion at her home in Eden Street, Alvaston, Derby, on 10 June 2025. Footage released by Derbyshire Constabulary captured the moment the front of the house was blown into the street as a car drove by. Followin…
The Herald Scotland
The NationalMan caused blast that destroyed partner’s house jailed for 11 years
Man caused blast that destroyed partner’s house jailed for 11 years
Man caused huge explosion after cutting gas pipe during 'meltdown', court hears
Paul Solway, 58, who blew up a house in Alvaston Derby, in June last year after cutting a gas pipe and setting fire to a chair after his partner kicked him out, has been jailed for 11 years
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