Drug dealer confesses to causing explosion in Newcastle that resulted in deaths of seven-year-old boy and man in his 30s

A drug dealer has admitted killing a seven-year-old boy and a man in his 30s in a horror explosion that tore through a block of flats.

The blast ripped through six properties on the terraced street of Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle, in the early hours of October 16.

Little Archie York died at the scene, while the body of Jason Laws, 35, was later discovered beneath debris.

Reece Galbraith, 33, pleaded guilty to two charges of manslaughter at Newcastle Crown Court today. 

He had been operating a ‘highly dangerous’ drugs lab at a flat directly below where Archie and his family were sleeping when tragedy struck. 

The dealer was producing cannabis concentrates known as ‘shatter’ or ‘butane honey oil’ at the address which was also used by Mr Laws. 

The concentrates were then turned into cannabis edibles or ‘gummies’.

In a statement, Northumbria Police said the ‘extraction process used to produce this Class B drug is highly dangerous’.

Little Archie York, as shown in the picture, tragically lost his life in an explosion that occurred in six flats on Violet Close in Benwell during the early hours of Wednesday, October 16.

The flats in Violet Close following the explosion

Jason Laws (pictured) was also killed in the devastating blast last year 

Archie and his family were asleep in the flat directly above the drugs lab when the explosion ripped through the complex.

Galbraith, a resident of Gateshead, has pleaded guilty to charges of cultivating cannabis between November 1, 2023, and October 17, 2024, as well as being involved in the distribution of cannabis during the same period.

Judge Paul Sloan KC adjourned the case until May 14 and said the court will then consider whether Galbraith is ‘dangerous’.

The judge addressed Galbraith, stating, ‘It’s important to note that the adjournment of the sentencing and the requirement for a pre-sentence report do not indicate the final decision on the sentence that will be given.’

‘As you will be aware, you face a significant, immediate custodial sentence. The length of that sentence will be determined by Mr Justice Cotter at the sentence hearing in May.

‘You will be remanded in custody pending sentence.’

Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: ‘This is a truly tragic case in which two people died, including young Archie who had his whole life ahead of him.

‘Our thoughts remain with his family, friends and all those who have been left heartbroken by what has happened.

‘At a time of unimaginable tragedy, the community has come together to support each other and provide the information we needed for such a complex investigation.

‘The tireless work of all involved left Reece Galbraith with little choice but to plead guilty to all charges in the face of overwhelming evidence.’

The funeral of seven-year-old Archie was accompanied by a beautiful white horse and carriage 

Little Archie’s coffin which featured his favorite Marvel characters 

She added: ‘The process of creating ‘cannabis shatter’ and other drugs in this way is exceptionally dangerous.

‘The truly devastating impact of this case should be enough to make anyone doing this to think again.

‘We would also urge anyone who has any information about the production of drugs to come forward so we can take action – you could save someone’s life.’

Christopher Atkinson, Head of the Complex Casework Unit for CPS North East, added: ‘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.’

Northumbria Police say they are keen to hear from anyone who becomes aware of people buying, taking delivery of or being in possession of multiple butane cannisters, propane bottles or unusual looking stainless-steel equipment.

Archie died at the scene of the devastating explosion in Benwell, Newcastle

One of the horses was covered in a funeral drape embroidered with the little boy’s name and an image of Spiderman

In a heartbreaking 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’ 

After the tragedy, a sea of tributes were laid at the site of the devastation.

In a heartbreaking 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.’

Another tribute read: ‘RIP Archie, I’ll miss you so much. Love, Richie.’

Spiderman teddies and balloons were tied to railings for the little boy.

Friends and family also left tributes for Mr Laws, known as Jay.

A total of 140 residents were evacuated from their homes on the night of the blast.

Since then, demolition work has started on the most damaged properties.

Some residents have been able to return home, while others were moved to different council properties and some are in temporary accommodation while repairs are carried out.