Jamie blast death charge

Andrew Partington

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Coma neighbour accused of manslaughter and £1m criminal damage
The neighbour who spent weeks in an induced coma after the massive Shaw gas blast has been charged with the manslaughter of two-year-old Jamie Heaton.

Andrew Partington (27), who lived next door to the little boy, appeared in Oldham Magistrates Court within hours of his release from hospital. He is also charged with causing £1.2 million worth of criminal damage to homes hit by the massive explosion in Buckley Street on June 26.

Partington was flanked by police and spoke only to give his name, address and date of birth, otherwise staring fixedly ahead throughout.

The blast tore through eight homes on the quiet road, including Partington’s at number nine and number 11 — the home of tragic Jamie, the only person killed by the blast.

Mr Partington suffered 40 per cent burns and a broken back. He wore a back brace and had bandages on both arms in the dock, and walked with difficulty.

Magistrates denied him bail. He is due at Manchester Crown Court today.

A 32–year–old gas fitter is believed to have examined the boiler at Mr Partington’s home days before the explosion, remains on police bail.


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