Man Jailed for Detonating His Home

A 58-year-old man, Paul Solway, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after causing a blast that destroyed his residence and damaged five surrounding properties. The incident occurred on June 10, 2025, in a terraced home shared with his partner, Joanne Waterfall, in Alvaston, Derby.

Derbyshire Police revealed that Solway had disconnected the gas main in the basement and ignited a chair in the kitchen to initiate the explosion. The court heard that the act was deliberate, with the gas supply intentionally tampered to create a hazardous situation.

“He was punching a garden fence before the explosion and told a neighbor he was ‘going to be dead by tonight’,” stated Prosecutor Paul Raudnitz KC, describing Solway’s emotional state after being informed by Waterfall that he needed to leave the home.

Solway admitted guilt during the trial’s opening in January, facing six charges of property damage with reckless disregard for life safety. The sentencing hearing highlighted that emergency services were called to the scene, where the explosion had already occurred, leading to severe damage and the eventual demolition of two neighboring buildings.

Judge Shaun Smith KC emphasized the “devastating” consequences of the blast. “The front wall of your house had been blown out into the street,” he remarked, adding that residents lost significant financial assets and now rely on council housing. “You affected your community, your own little community on that street. Not one of them escaped the consequences of what you did that night.”

Waterfall, the owner of the property, expressed her hardship after the incident. “I have got nothing. I have had to start off from absolutely zero. I walked away with one outfit and that was it,” she said.

Following the sentencing, Insp Ben Wildman, the city’s east policing inspector, noted the “huge impact” the explosion had on the community. “Paul Solway’s decision to cut the gas pipe in his home led to this incident,” he explained. “It not only left him seriously injured but also displaced residents and destroyed two adjoining houses, forcing families to relocate for days.”

Wildman added that Solway’s actions were “selfish and reckless.” “Many people were forced to leave their homes for several days, and two adjoining houses had to be demolished,” he said. “The distress these families felt was immense, and the impact continues without any fault of their own.”

The judge also imposed a restraining order, preventing Solway from contacting Waterfall. Authorities stated that while the explosion was devastating, collaborative efforts ensured support for those affected. “I hope everyone can now look forward to the future,” Wildman concluded. “Paul Solway now faces the consequences of his dangerous actions.”

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