Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter After Fatal Newcastle Explosion Caused by Drug Lab

Reece Galbraith admitted responsibility for the deaths of a child and a man in a butane explosion while producing cannabis concentrates, with sentencing set for May 14, 2025.

Reece Galbraith, 33, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and drug-related charges after a house explosion killed seven-year-old Archie York and Jason Laws in Newcastle in October 2024.
The explosion was caused by a build-up of butane gas used in the production of cannabis concentrates, a highly volatile and illegal process conducted in a residential flat.
The blast destroyed homes, left multiple families homeless, and caused severe injuries to Galbraith, who was hospitalized with burns and ongoing impairments.
Northumbria Police emphasized the extreme dangers of drug production and urged the public to report suspicious activities, particularly involving butane canisters.
Galbraith, who avoided a trial by changing his plea to guilty, remains in custody and faces a significant custodial sentence during his May 14, 2025 sentencing.