'We will never forgive you'

BENWELL DRUGS BLAST CHILD KILLER JAILED FOR 14 YEARS

- By ROB KENNEDY

A CANNABIS dealer who killed a seven-year-old boy in a huge drugs lab explosion has been jailed for 14 years after being told by the young-ster's mum: “We will never forgive you.”

As little Archie York and his family slept in their home in Violet Close, Benwell, Newcastle, they had no idea that just feet beneath them were more than 100 butane canisters.

The highly dangerous gas was being used in the flat below to create a highly potent form of cannabis known as “shatter” for use in making sweets known as cannabis gummies.

As Reece Galbraith, 33, was sentenced for the manslaughter of Archie and Jason Laws, who was involved in the criminal enterprise with him, CCTV was played at Newcastle Crown Court showing the massive explosion and the fierce fire which followed after the butane ignited around 12.40am on October 16 last year.

As well as Archie's tragic death, the court heard there has been an enormous impact locally and many people were evacuated from the area.

Some 81 adults and 59 children were displaced, 107 to temporary accommodation. Ten households had to be permanently rehoused, 12 properties were demolished and other residents in the street have been unable to return.

A total of 53 residents of the original 80 that were moved will not be returning and the financial impact is said to be around £3.7 million.

As Galbraith, of Rectory Road, Gateshead, was locked up, Archie's mum, Katherine Errington, who was at home with her partner, Robbie York, Archie and her seven-week-old baby, Finley, stood up in court to read a statement outlining her devastation and anger.

Raising her voice and addressing Galbraith directly, she added: “This was not an accident. This was a choice, your choice Reece Galbraith.

“You brought gas canisters into a building where families lived. You ran a drug operation under the floor my children slept.