Man Sentenced for Deliberate Gas Explosion That Destroyed Multiple Homes

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:45:00 +0200

Paul Solway, 58, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for causing a massive explosion in Alvaston, Derby, after cutting a gas pipe and setting fire to a chair during a personal dispute. The incident, which occurred on June 10th last year, destroyed his partner Joanne Waterfall’s house along with two neighboring homes and caused significant damage to three others. Solway was alone in the house with his dog, both of whom had to be rescued. The dog recovered fully, but Solway suffered severe burns and spent several weeks in the hospital. Residents on Eden Street were displaced for several days, and some homes had to be demolished. Solway admitted six counts of reckless property damage. His partner lost all her possessions and expressed frustration over the sentence, stating that he showed no remorse. Judge Shaun Smith KC emphasized the widespread consequences of Solway's actions on the community, including financial and emotional impacts. A restraining order prevents Solway from contacting