Man facing jail after admitting causing blast that destroyed house in Derby
It was initially reported as a suspected gas explosion on June 10 last year
Last updated 29th Jan 2026
A man is facing a prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to damaging properties over a blast that destroyed a terraced house.
Emergency services were called to reports of a suspected gas explosion in Eden Street, Alvaston, Derby, at around 7.24pm on June 10 last year.
Paul Solway, 57, admitted six counts of damaging property being reckless as to whether life was endangered, relating to six different properties, on what would have been the first day of his trial at Derby Crown Court on Thursday.
Judge Shaun Smith KC told the defendant his sentence is "going to be imprisonment".
Jurors who had been selected to try the case on Monday were told they are no longer needed for the trial.
The judge told the jury: "The prosecution case is that Mr Solway is responsible for that explosion.
"It was going to be suggested it was a gas leak - he accepts now he's criminally responsible."
Solway, of no fixed address, who stood in the dock wearing a blue top with a grey sweatshirt draped over his shoulders and a bandage on his arm, was told he will be sentenced on April 8.