Partington admits manslaughter

Andrew Partington

Shaw man Andrew Partington, 27, today (28 November) admitted at Manchester Crown Court the manslaughter of two-year-old Jamie Heaton - killed in a gas blast at his home on June 26.

The unemployed father of six pleaded guilty to a single charge of manslaughter and eight charges of destroying property - eight houses in Buckley Street, Shaw, demolished by the blast.

He admitted cutting the gas pipes in his house in Buckley Street, which filled with gas overnight. Next door, Jamie Heaton - described by his family as a "happy, loving little boy" - had been watching children's TV in the lounge with his father Kenny out at work and mother Michelle doing housework.

The explosion "obliterated" Partington's rented terrace house and two neighbouring homes, with the rest of the row and surrounding streets also left devastated.

Partington, who was seriously injured, was told by Judge Andrew Gilbart QC that there was only one possible sentence for such offences – jail – and remanded him in custody until February 11 when he will be sentenced.