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.
Galbraith, of Gateshead, also admitted producing a controlled drug, cannabis, between November 1, 2023 and October 17, 2024 and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug, cannabis, between November 1, 2023 and October 17 2024.
Judge Paul Sloan KC adjourned the case until May 14 and said the court will then consider whether Galbraith is ‘dangerous’.
The judge told Galbraith: ‘You should understand, the fact I have adjourned sentence and the fact I have directed the preparation of a pre-sentence report is not an indication of the sentence that will be imposed.
Little Archie York (pictured) was killed when the blast ripped through six flats on the terraced street of Violet Close in Benwell in 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
‘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.’
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.’
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
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
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 have been moved to different council properties and some are in temporary accommodation while repairs are carried out.
