Drug dealer pleads GUILTY to killing boy, 7, and dad in ‘truly devastating’ blast after his cannabis lab exploded
A DRUG dealer has admitted killing a seven-year-old boy and a dad in a “truly devastating” blast when his cannabis lab exploded.
Jason Laws, 35, and little Archie York both died after a blast ripped through six homes in Newcastle in October last year.
Reece Galbraith, 33, today pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter.
He also admitted producing a controlled drug, namely cannabis, between November 1, 2023, and October 17, 2024, and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug, namely cannabis.
Galbraith was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on May 14 at Newcastle Crown Court.
Northumbria Police confirmed today a drug lab was being operated inside an address used by Galbraith and Jason.
Cannabis concentrates – known as ‘shatter’ or ‘butane honey oil’ – were produced to create edible “gummies”.
Archie and his family were asleep in their home directly above the lab when the explosion occurred in the early hours of October 16.
A total of 140 residents had to be evacuated with some still not able to return home.
Six other people were rushed to hospital after also being injured in the blast.
Tributes flooded in for Archie following the tragedy.
In a letter left at the scene, Archie’s aunt, Abbie York, wrote: “You were the funniest little boy, always with a mischievous smile on you face.
“You were the brightest light in any room and our world is a lot darker without you.
“As your auntie you made me so proud when you would sit and do your handwriting homework and read books.
“I could talk about you forever as you truly were the mot amazing boy!
“Our hearts are broken and can never be repaired.”
Christopher Atkinson, Head of the Complex Casework Unit for CPS North East, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Archie York, whose tragic death last year shocked the community of Benwell.
“It is clear from the evidence in this case that the explosion which took Archie’s life was caused by a build-up of butane in the address used by Jason Laws, who also died in the blast.
“That address had been the site of an illegal operation producing a highly concentrated form of cannabis, through a dangerous process involving the use of large quantities of flammable butane gas.
“The Crown Prosecution Service has worked closely with Northumbria Police to build a robust case against Reece Galbraith for his involvement in that operation, which has been instrumental in securing his guilty pleas to all charges against him.
“We hope that today’s convictions bring some measure of comfort to the family of Archie York, at what must remain an incredibly difficult time for them.”