Reece Galbraith Sentenced to 14 Years for Manslaughter After Fatal Drug Lab Blast in Newcastle
A Newcastle man has been jailed for 14 years following a tragic house explosion in Benwell that killed seven-year-old Archie York and Jason "Jay" Laws, 35. The blast, caused by a drug lab using butane gas canisters, destroyed a home on Violet Close in the early hours of October 16, 2024.
At Newcastle Crown Court on May 14, 2025, Reece Galbraith, 33, pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter and drug offences relating to the manufacture of cannabis concentrates. The explosion rocked the Benwell community, leaving six others injured, multiple homes uninhabitable, and a city in mourning.
Benwell Explosion: The Incident and Its Devastating Impact
Emergency services responded to reports of a large explosion at 4am, finding wreckage, fire damage, and fatalities. Young Archie York, remembered by his parents as a "cheeky boy with a heart of gold," died at the scene. His family’s home was adjacent to the flat used by Galbraith as a cannabis production site.
Northumbria Police investigators revealed that Galbraith was extracting cannabis concentrates known as "shatter" using 100 butane canisters, a highly flammable process. Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith described the operation as reckless and deadly, citing the proximity of innocent families and children.
Drone footage shared by authorities showed extensive damage to the surrounding homes. Displaced families were rehoused, and a public appeal was launched urging residents to report suspicious activity related to drug labs.
Legal Outcome: Manslaughter and Drug Charges
Galbraith was arrested in the days following the explosion and initially denied manslaughter. However, in a plea deal struck in April 2025, he admitted guilt, avoiding a jury trial scheduled for May.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, Galbraith’s fingerprints were found on the canisters and lab equipment recovered from the blast site. Additionally, his phone contained 80 messages relating to drug supply. Prosecutors called the property a "fully functioning drug lab" in a residential area.
At sentencing, the judge described Galbraith’s actions as "irresponsible and motivated by profit," with "catastrophic consequences for innocent lives."
Community Reaction and Social Media Response
Reaction on social media platform X has been swift and emotional.
- @HitsNENews posted: "Heartbreaking justice for Archie York and Jason Laws—Galbraith jailed for 14 years after the fatal Newcastle explosion."
- @GHRNewsUK added: "The pain in Benwell is still raw. This sentencing brings some closure, but the community remains shaken."
Public responses reflect widespread outrage, grief, and a call for tighter control over dangerous drug production in residential areas.
Broader Context: Drug Labs and Public Safety in the UK
The case has renewed focus on drug-related dangers in domestic properties. The Home Office reported over 7,000 drug-related deaths in England and Wales in 2023, with many linked to makeshift cannabis labs.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council and CPS continue to pursue high-risk drug operations, emphasizing the need for stronger community vigilance and legal enforcement. The Newcastle explosion, now a national case study, underscores the hidden threats behind drug cultivation in urban housing.
How to Report Suspicious Activity
Authorities urge residents to be alert to warning signs such as:
- Unusual chemical smells
- Frequent delivery of gas canisters or lab equipment
- Blacked-out windows or high-security modifications
Contact Northumbria Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
More from: Archie York Jason Laws · Benwell tragedy · Newcastle Crown Court manslaughter
