Andrew Partington Jailed For Death Of Toddler In Oldham Explosion

19/02/2013

Andrew Partington was jailed at Manchester Crown Court today for 10 years for causing an explosion which killed a two year old boy and destroyed nearby houses.

Partington had cut gas pipes in his home the evening before because his partner had left him and taken the children following an argument.  He left the house to fill with gas overnight and it ignited when he lit a cigarette the following morning.  Toddler Jamie Heaton was watching television in the house next door in Buckley St, Shaw lived when the explosion happened on 26 June. 

In November Partington pleaded guilty to manslaughter and to eight charges of destroying property. 

Ian Rushton, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North West said:

"Andrew Partington caused a massive gas explosion in Oldham in June last year having deliberately cut the gas pipes in his home following an argument with his partner.  The resulting explosion tragically killed two year old Jamie Heaton, destroyed nearby houses and caused severe damage to many others.   

"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."

Andrew Partington will remain on licence for a further extended five year period once he is released from prison.