Neighbour admits killing little Jamie in blast
Date published: 29 November 2012
THE man who blew up his house in Shaw in a massive gas blast after a row with his partner, has admitted killing his two–year–old neighbour Jamie Heaton.
Jamie’s parents Kenny and Michelle were in court to hear Andrew Partington (27) an unemployed father–of–six, admit manslaughter.
Jamie, described by his family as a “happy, loving little boy”, had been watching TV in the lounge while his father was out at work and his mother was doing housework.
The explosion “obliterated” Partington’s rented home and two neighbouring homes - with the rest of the row and surrounding streets also left devastated. Jamie’s lifeless body was found in the wreckage.
Neighbours described Partington drinking and arguing with his partner in the hours before the blast. Partington — himself seriously injured — appeared at Manchester Crown Court by video link from jail yesterday.
He pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Jamie and eight charges of destroying neighbouring houses in the blast on Buckley Street on June 26.
Mr and Mrs Heaton sat in the public gallery, holding hands, for the brief hearing. They were flanked by police and other members of their family, who wiped away tears as the defendant admitted his guilt.
Partington spoke only to confirm his name and that he could hear proceedings via the video link from HMP Forest Bank in Salford.
The defendant, who wore a white T–shirt covered by a light blue bib, kept his head down for most of the hearing. He pleaded guilty to each charge.
Partington was told by Judge Andrew Gilbart QC there was only one possible sentence for such offences - jail. He remanded Partington in custody until February 11 for sentence.
The defendant replied: “Thanks very much your Lordship.”
The cost of damage to the houses and surrounding streets has been estimated at around £1.2 million.
Jamie lived at number 11 Buckley Street, next door to Partington and his partner Tania Williams and their children.
Partington and Ms Williams had a stormy relationship, according to locals. The night before the blast, neighbours said there had been another row and Partington had been drinking. The next day, at around 11.20am, the gas ignited.
Partington spent weeks in hospital and still suffers from injuries caused by the blast.
