Man jailed for Shaw gas blast

“Andrew Partington’s reckless actions have left devastating consequences - for Jamie’s family and for those in the Shaw community whose lives were hugely disrupted for months afterwards. When he severed the gas pipes he must have been well aware that he was putting other people’s lives and property in danger.

“We worked hard with the police to build a strong prosecution case, and so overwhelming was the evidence against the defendant that he was left with little other option but to plead guilty at an early stage. In the sentence given today, Andrew Partington now has time to reflect on the immeasurable pain that his actions have caused Jamie’s family and the extensive damage he caused to people’s homes.

“I would like to extend my sincere sympathies to Mr and Mrs Heaton and their family on their terrible loss. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the people of Shaw who have shown remarkable resilience and community spirit in the aftermath of the explosion.”