Man jailed for causing explosion at his home in Derby

A man has been sentenced to jail after causing a gas explosion that demolished his home and inflicted damage on several adjacent properties. The court heard how Paul Solway, aged 58, deliberately disconnected the gas supply in the basement of the house he shared with his partner on Eden Street, Alvaston, Derby, before igniting a chair in the kitchen, triggering the blast in June 2025.

The incident occurred after Solway experienced a severe emotional breakdown when his partner, Joanne Waterfall, informed him she wanted him to leave the shared terraced house. Waterfall had already vacated the property by the time of the explosion, which emergency services were called to investigate on the evening of June 10th. The force of the blast was so significant that it caused extensive damage to Solway’s home and two neighboring buildings, both of which had to be demolished due to the severity of the destruction.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Solway was the only person inside the house at the time and suffered serious burns from the explosion. A dog was also rescued from the wreckage. Prosecutor Paul Raudnitz KC described Solway’s state as a “meltdown” after the news that he needed to move out, noting that shortly before the explosion, Solway was seen punching a garden fence and stating to a neighbor, “going to be dead by tonight.” Six additional charges relating to property damage with intent to endanger life were left on file.

Judge Shaun Smith KC, when delivering the sentence, highlighted the extensive impact the explosion had on the local community, stating, “The front wall of your house had been blown out into the street,” and expressing sympathy for those who lost their savings and homes, some now dependent on council housing. After the sentencing, Waterfall expressed the toll the event had taken on her, saying, “I have got nothing. I have had to start off from absolutely zero. I walked away with one outfit and that was it.” Additionally, Solway was placed under a restraining order barring contact with Waterfall. Local police inspector Ben Wildman condemned Solway’s actions as “selfish and reckless,” noting the widespread impact on the community and the hardship faced by affected families

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