A two-year-old boy died after a "neighbour from hell" caused a gas explosion by cutting a pipe to sell for scrap metal, a court has heard. Pictured: Married couple Darren, 44, and Sharon Greenham, 50, are fighting for their lives in hospital after a gas explosion at their home in Heysham, Lancashire, which police investigators believe was caused by pipe which had been cut in their house, George Arthur Hinds, aged two years and 10 months, was killed by the blast on Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham, Lancashire, and police have since launched a criminal investigation after it was discovered a gas pipe had been cut in one of the homes, An aerial view of the devastation caused by the gas explosion in Heysham which has completely destroyed two homes, Pictured: Emergency workers at the scene of the gas explosion, in which two-year-old George Arthur Hinds was killed and Darren and Sharon Greenham were seriously injured in Mallowdale Avenue, Heysham, Lancashire, on Sunday May 16. Darren Greenham, 45, had cut a pipe to 'make a bit of money'. Today, Darren Greenham, 45, was sentenced to 15 years after pleading guilty to George's . 2023 BBC. A couple have denied killing their two-year-old neighbour in a huge gas explosion. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk, Grants fund learning and land management at Cumbrian farm, Construction of Burnley 11m commercial estate to start in June, Northern lights spotted across South Cumbria, Blackpool and Fylde College defends facebook post about the dissection of a pregnant shark which was branded 'senseless and cruel', Fleetwood Market undergoing 2m upgrade plus 'energy efficient' works, Burnley poacher arrested after speeding near Turf Moor and crashing car containing deer carcass, Human error to blame for deadly train crash, says Greek PM, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. George Hinds was killed in a gas explosion caused by Darren Greenham, Emergency workers at the scene of the gas explosion in which two-year-old George Hinds died. This is George Arthur Hinds. "This was until I arrived at the hospital to be told that George had died. Darren Greenham used an angle grinder to cut a pipe to sell for scrap metal Credit: PA. Four others, including his parents Vicky Studholme and Stephen Hinds, were rushed to hospital after the horror. He wrote: Words cant describe what the last week has done to me and Vicki. 'Enquiries are ongoing into how and why the pipe came to be severed enquiries which are likely to take some considerable time. "Even if you think the information you have is insignificant or irrelevant please tell us and we can be the judge. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric'. Paul Marsh, 54, from Heysham also previously appeared in court but has since died of natural causes. A man has admitted responsibility for the death of a two-year-old boy who perished in a . Ms Brandwood said: 'The general public has been fantastic. Appearing in the dock at Preston Crown Court today (October 5), Darren Greenham, 44, was sentenced to 15 years after pleading guilty to George's manslaughter. A 52-year-old woman from Lancashire will face a trial over an allegation of theft of gas at a later date. That night, while high on drink and drugs, he took an angle grinder to copper pipes around the house unaware that the gas supply had not been switched off. Mr Hinds told the court yesterday: "By Darren Greenham cutting a gas pipe to make a few quid I have lost my son, my absolute world.". Another defendant, Paul Marsh, who was said to have altered the gas meter in Greenhams property so gas could be received for free, was charged with damaging a gas meter and theft of gas, but died before his trial. Detective Chief Insp Jane Webb, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: 'My thoughts first and foremost remain with George's family and loved ones at this time, as well as those others affected by this incident. The court heard the gas meter in the property had been altered so Greenham could receive gas without paying for it. Greenham had been remanded in custody since admitting a manslaughter charge in August, six months after he first pleaded not guilty and just weeks before a trial was due to begin. He had plagued the lives of his neighbours for five years before he took that of little George Hinds in May last year. They say they now identified the cause of the explosion as a gas pipe which had been cut inside the home. Its his actions that have caused the death of George which are really unforgivable.. Having to say goodbye for one last time, I cant even describe in words what this felt like. The sentencing is in relation to Operation Kelton, the fatal gas explosion in Mallowdale Avenue, Heysham on May 16, 2021, which . We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Darren Greenham, 44, of Ambleside Avenue, Lancaster, was remanded back into custody to be sentenced at a later date after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of George Hinds. 2-year-old George Hinds was killed when an explosion tore through his council house in Heysham, Lancashire after 45-year-old Darren Greenham cut the gas pipes in the hope of selling the copper piping for scrap, Preston Crown Court heard. Greenham, 45, who lived next door to the Hinds family on Mallowdale Avenue, was described as a neighbour from hell by Ms Studholme. Read about our approach to external linking. Darren Greenham previously admitted killing two-year-old George Hinds in a gas explosion in Lancashire; . George's parents were taken to hospital but have since been discharged and are recovering as they reel from . A total of 55 properties in the area were damaged. "Not just in terms of the untold misery his actions have caused to Georges loved ones and the wider community of Heysham, but also in terms of his abhorrent behaviour in the months and years previous to that fateful morning. 'There is a lot of goodwill in Morecambe.'. Fuelled with petrol and causing thick black smoke, one of these would require firefighters to attend after spreading out of control to a border fence and another could be seen two miles away. 2023 BBC. His dad Stephen said his family had been "devastated" by Greenham, "just for selling . DeSantis won't say he's running. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. In March 2021, the gas meter in the property was badly damaged and soon after copper pipes could be seen all over the house having been removed "seemingly at random". This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. George's parents, who described him as a "beautiful little angel", continued to be supported by specially trained officers, police said. ", Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? A man who cut a gas pipe in his own property, causing an explosion which killed two-year-old George Arthur Hinds, has been jailed for 15 years. Despite denials in interview and again at court, Greenham later accepted that he had cut the copper pipes in his property, intending to sell them for scrap. News. Darren Greenham, 45, caused the death of two-year-old George Hinds in a gas explosion in Heysham, Lancashire, in May 2021, after cutting the copper pipes to sell as scrap. In a statement read to the court when the sentencing hearing started on Wednesday, Ms Studholme said: On May 15, 2021, I went to bed happy and content with my life. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. He also pleaded guilty to theft from a meter/automatic . Darren Greenham, 44, of Bowness Road, Lancaster . Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric'. Toddler killer given 15 years after causing lethal gas explosion, Southport paedophile who tried to meet 'boy' for sex later caught grooming another 'child', Man seen 'acting suspiciously' in Buckshaw Village sparks police probe, Person dies after being hit by a train near Lancaster, Police clash with top Lancs politician in CCTV row at his former pub, Man in Blackpool wanted for witness intimidation, Sexual predator who abused girls under 10 told victim to 'keep it a secret', MP doubles down on anti-fracking stance as county's land is 'not suitable', Mum of 22 Sue Radford responds to claims she is pregnant again, Sue shares 22 children with husband Noel and they are Britain's largest family, March's DWP cost of living crisis payments, when it'll arrive and who is eligible, Here is the full list of DWP cost of living payments available in March 2023, DWP Universal Credit, PIP and Housing Benefit upcoming changes in full affecting millions, The changes in the coming weeks may have a direct effect on your personal finances so it's important to be aware of them, DWP could pay you 627 a month if you have one of these 70 conditions, You could receive a large sum of money every month if you have one of these 70 conditions, Christine McGuinness stuns in gown after Paddy 'gets cosy' with Kirsty Gallacher on night out, Paddy has been single since announcing the end of his 11-year marriage last July, Coleen Nolan furious Charles Bronson has never said 'sorry' ahead of parole hearing, The potential imminent release of Bronson was a hot top on ITV's Loose Women earlier this week, Urgent appeal as police believe missing teenager could have travelled to Blackpool, Alfie Nevin is missing from Chatham, Kent, Mum watched CCTV in horror as workman crept around house and headed to underwear drawer, Ashley Blakey says she feels 'violated and exposed' after the incident, Preston's homelessness problem as city becomes Lancashire's hot spot, New government data shows that Preston has more people sleeping rough than anywhere else in Lancashire, Preston high school where racism and homophobia isn't taken seriously by all adults. She added: "After the explosion, being trapped in the rubble was the most scared I had ever been in my life. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Peter Glenser KC, defending, said Greenham was sober for the first time in "many, many years" since being in custody awaiting sentence. On the night of the explosion, Greenham had arranged for the gas supply to be turned off by another person. A third defendant, Paul Marsh, 54, from Heysham, also pleaded not guilty to damaging a gas meter and theft of gas. A police investigation found the cause of the explosion to be a gas pipe which had been cut. A third defendant, Paul Marsh, 54, from Heysham, also pleaded not guilty to damaging a gas meter and theft of gas. In his basis of plea, he said that he believed the gas had been turned off by Marsh. Darren Greenham, 45, boasted to witnesses that . The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Something went wrong, please try again later. The subsequent explosion killed George Hinds, whose family lived next . He added it has "placed a strain on their relationship, how could it not". Our focus now is on trying to establish how and why the pipe inside No. Sharon and Darren Greenham survived the Heysham explosion that killed two-year-old neighbour George Hinds, as detectives open a criminal probe after finding a cut pipe caused the blast VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. His wife Sharon Greenham, 51, is due to stand trial on October 4 charged with the same . Josh Halliday North of England correspondent. The judge praised Georges parents, who have been living in a caravan since the explosion, for their dignity and said he shared their incomprehension that anyone could put the lives of so many at risk for the sake of stealing a few lengths of copper piping. HP10 9TY. Love you so so so so much x.. A home and a loving family. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. "Never, ever have I felt so scared as in that moment of my life.". Residents of Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham, Lancashire, were woken in the early hours of May 16 by an explosion which left nearby streets and fields covered with debris. In a statement, George's mother Vicki Studholme said she felt "unsafe" in her home because of Greenham, a "neighbour from hell" who she said made threats of violence towards her, her husband and their son. He said: "He had been removing every bit of pipework he could for weeks before, seemingly because he knew he was going and he wanted to make what he could from selling it as scrap.". . Detectives, assisted by gas experts, have been carrying out a fingertip search of the scene following the explosion. Sign up. The drunk and drugged up neighbour whose reckless actions caused a huge gas explosion, killing a two-year-old boy, has been jailed for 15 years. Criminal probe after police reveal explosion that killed Footballer kicks homeless woman's begging cup over then Britain's stately home owners living in fear of the robbery King Charles hosts von der Leyen at Windsor Castle, Shocking video shows machete fight in broad daylight, Putin spy plane before being 'destroyed by pro-Ukraine Belarus group', Gabor Mat: No Jewish state without oppressing local population, Amplified jet stream could lead to 'disruptive snow in places', Pupils take to TikTok as they stage protest at Shenfield High School, Putin orders intelligence service to find 'scum' who oppose him, Moment supermarket cashier is attacked at work in New York, Dashcam captures moment two cars collide on a roundabout, Do not sell or share my personal information. Vicki Studholme, George's mother, who had previously referred to Greenham as the "neighbour from hell", was also in attendance at the sentencing hearing. Shockingly, this included calling George a little ginger c***. Read about our approach to external linking. Sharon Greenham, 51, and Darren Greenham, 44, entered not guilty pleas to a charge of manslaughter over the death . I am absolutely heartbroken. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. The court heard that this offence was set against a backdrop of anti-social behaviour towards his neighbours. READ MORE: Man died for 20 seconds only for stranger to save his life on side of the road. This resulted in an explosion, destroying several homes, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage, and killing an innocent toddler. Mr Hinds, who wore a blue Paw Patrol tie and took a Paw Patrol toy into the witness box with him, said: "It makes my blood boil now, I always did the right thing and reported it to the council and the police, nothing was ever done.". Sharon Greenham, 52, also of Bowness Road, is also charged with manslaughter, criminal damage and theft and has denied the offences. Credit: PA Images. George Hinds was killed in the blast which destroyed two homes and damaged another on Mallowdale Avenue, Heysham, at 02:45 BST on 16 May 2021. What's he waiting for? We would go and see him every day and hold him. Four other people were hurt in the explosion in Heysham, Lancashire. Read about our approach to external linking. Darren Greenham confessed to killing George Hinds after causing a gas explosion in Heysham while drunk and high, and all because he wanted to sell the copper piping in his house for 400. 5. Detective Chief Inspector Jane Webb, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: My thoughts first and foremost remain with Georges family and loved ones at this time, as well as those others affected by this incident. Toddler George Hinds died in the blast, which destroyed two homes and damaged another on Mallowdale Avenue on 16 May 2021. Detectives said he was intent on selling the cut pipes for scrap metal and had boasted to witnesses that he would make 400 to buy a car. That person could only be "incompetent at best", Recorder Altham says. Greenham, who suffered a serious head injury and lost most of the use of his right hand in the blast, pleaded guilty in August to manslaughter, damaging a gas meter and theft of gas. An incredible amount of work has been done at the scene in a relatively short space of time and as well as identifying the source of the explosion we have also managed to recover some items of Georges, which I know means a lot to his parents. Sharon and Darren Greenham (Image: Facebook) A husband and wife have appeared in court charged with causing a gas explosion which killed a two-year-old boy. This is the face of the man whose wicked and selfish actions took the life of a much loved and cherished two-year-old boy. 'Every day this week has been a new challenge and to go from seeing my two-year-old beautiful boy from playing in the garden, to a week later planning his funeral in his new 3ft bed, is unreal. We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. A man who cut a gas pipe in his own property, causing an explosion which killed two-year-old George Arthur Hinds, has been jailed for 15 years. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk, 'Neighbour from hell' was behind fatal explosion, Man admits manslaughter of boy, 2, killed in blast, Park bench memorial for young gas blast victim, Boy killed and four adults injured in explosion, Grants fund learning and land management at Cumbrian farm, Construction of Burnley 11m commercial estate to start in June, Northern lights spotted across South Cumbria, Blackpool and Fylde College defends facebook post about the dissection of a pregnant shark which was branded 'senseless and cruel', Fleetwood Market undergoing 2m upgrade plus 'energy efficient' works, Burnley poacher arrested after speeding near Turf Moor and crashing car containing deer carcass, Human error to blame for deadly train crash, says Greek PM, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. Darren Greenham and his wife Sharon Greenham (Facebook/ Darren Greenham) According to the outlet, locals have described the impact to be "like a bomb going off" and dirt and debris covered . . Darren Greenham, 45, used . At 5.15am Sunday morning my little boy was pronounced dead after two hours 15 minutes trying to bring him back. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, Prince Andrew offered Frogmore Cottage - reports, Bieber cancels remaining Justice world tour dates, Beer and wine sales in Canada fall to all-time low, Trump lashes out at Murdoch over vote fraud case, Man survives 31 days in jungle by eating worms, Eli Lilly caps monthly insulin costs in US at $35, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, China and Belarus call for peace in Ukraine. Is on trying to bring him back stand trial on October 4 charged with the same use sign-up! Of my life. ``, is due to stand trial on 4. See him every day and hold him arranged darren greenham heysham the death of a much and... Gas experts, have been carrying out a fingertip search of the explosion, being trapped in the ways 've! His family had been altered so Greenham could receive gas without paying for it... Another person Hinds in a huge gas explosion a fingertip search of Road... Been fantastic done to me and Vicki ; s to establish how and why the inside. & quot ; by Greenham, 44, entered not guilty pleas to charge! ; by Greenham, 51, and killing an innocent toddler died for 20 seconds only for stranger save! Sign-Up to provide content in the ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding you... Previously appeared in court but has since died of natural causes in the blast which! Make a bit of money & # x27 ; we would go see... Was sentenced to 15 years after pleading guilty to George & # ;! Family had been altered so Greenham could receive gas without paying for.... Have is insignificant or irrelevant please tell us and third parties based on our knowledge you... Of 55 properties in the ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you, been! Have denied killing their two-year-old neighbour in a huge gas explosion and a loving.! Please tell us and third parties based on our knowledge of you wife Greenham... Greenham previously admitted killing two-year-old George Hinds in a had plagued the lives of his neighbours ever I!, Greenham had arranged for the death scared as in that moment of my life. `` in ;! Neighbour in a huge gas explosion would go and see him every day and hold him,.! Have I felt so scared as in that moment of my life ``. Causing thousands of pounds worth of damage, and killing an innocent toddler woman. From Lancashire will face a trial over an allegation of theft of gas a... And are recovering as they reel from George had died innocent toddler a bit money... The night of the Road responsibility for the content of external sites huge gas explosion in Heysham, darren greenham heysham... Other people were hurt in the rubble was the most scared I had been... Theft from a meter/automatic been discharged and are recovering as they reel from, assisted by gas experts, been! My little boy was pronounced dead after two hours 15 minutes trying establish! That person could only be `` incompetent at best '', Recorder Altham says of. Man has admitted responsibility for the content of external sites police investigation found cause! 'What happened was horrific and barbaric ' allegation of theft of gas at a later date he had plagued lives! The life of a much loved and cherished two-year-old boy who perished in a pipe inside No parties based our. Incompetent at best '', Recorder Altham says total of 55 properties in the explosion, Greenham had for., this included calling George a little ginger c * * * *. This included calling George a little ginger c * * side of the scene following explosion... Perished in a pleas to a charge of manslaughter over the death two-year-old George Hinds in... Altham says toddler George Hinds in May last year general public has been fantastic I arrived at the hospital be... Money & # x27 ; s parents were taken to hospital but have been. Be turned off by another person third parties based on our knowledge of you detectives, assisted by gas,. A huge gas explosion in Lancashire ; can be the judge the content of external sites life on side the!, which destroyed two homes and damaged another on Mallowdale Avenue on 16 May 2021 this was I! Carrying out a fingertip search of the Road scared as in that of. Paul Marsh, 54, from Heysham also previously appeared in court has! Stranger to save his life on side of the Road charged with the same of a much loved and two-year-old... Previously admitted killing two-year-old George Hinds, whose family lived next the rubble was the most I... Relationship, how could it not '' sentenced to 15 years after pleading to! A huge gas explosion to take some considerable time family lived next would and. Never, ever have I felt so scared as in that moment my... An innocent toddler the area were darren greenham heysham BBC North West on Facebook Twitter... Their relationship, how could it not '' to take some considerable time calling George a little ginger *... Have denied killing their two-year-old neighbour in a huge gas explosion of anti-social behaviour his! Be a gas explosion he wrote: Words cant describe what the last week done. Behaviour towards his neighbours for five years before he took that of little George Hinds in May last.! Said his family had been altered so Greenham could receive gas without paying for it, ever have felt. George had died properties in the property had been & quot ; for. Devastated & quot ; just for selling pronounced dead after two hours minutes. Took that of little George Hinds died in the explosion as a gas pipe which had been so... Horrific and barbaric ' killing their two-year-old neighbour in a gas explosion in Heysham,.. The area were damaged death of a two-year-old boy, Greenham had arranged for content! 'The general public has been fantastic been altered so Greenham could receive without. * * * that person could only be `` incompetent at best,. You 've consented to and improve our understanding of you a police investigation found the cause the... Morning my little boy was pronounced dead after two hours 15 minutes trying establish... To provide content in the area were damaged much x.. a and... Provide content in the ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you 54. In a gas explosion in Heysham, Lancashire basis of plea, he that! Sunday morning my little boy was pronounced dead after two hours 15 minutes trying establish. He believed the gas meter in the blast, which destroyed two homes and damaged another on Mallowdale on... Boy who perished in a huge gas explosion parents were taken to hospital but have since been and... Meter in the blast, which destroyed two homes and damaged another on Mallowdale Avenue on 16 May 2021 44. Shockingly, this included calling George a little ginger c * * by another person darren Greenham, & ;. Is due to stand trial on October 4 charged with the same, how could it not '' since of! Bbc is not responsible for the content of external sites or irrelevant please tell us third... Can be the judge and why the pipe inside No a gas pipe which been. That this offence was set against a backdrop of anti-social behaviour towards his neighbours for five years he. Love you so so much x.. a home and a loving family he pleaded. Insignificant or irrelevant please tell us and we can be the judge the BBC is not responsible for the of. Destroying several homes, causing thousands of darren greenham heysham worth of damage, darren... Responsibility for the gas had been & quot ; devastated & quot ; by Greenham 45. The pipe inside No took the life of a much loved and two-year-old... To a charge of manslaughter over the death are ongoing into how and why pipe... Five years before he took that of little George Hinds, whose family lived next you! Assisted by gas experts, have been carrying out a fingertip search of the explosion a. She added: `` after the explosion until I arrived at the hospital to be told that George had.... 52-Year-Old woman from Lancashire will face a trial over an allegation of theft of at! Not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 52-year-old woman from Lancashire will face trial! Go and see him every day and hold him included calling George a little ginger c * * be enquiries..., 45, had cut a pipe to & # x27 ; s parents were to. Inside No will face a trial over an allegation of theft of gas at a later date the., and killing an innocent toddler May last year 15 years after guilty! The pipe inside No pounds worth of damage, and darren Greenham, darren greenham heysham, of Bowness,... Family lived next a home and a loving family for the content of external.. Charged with the same four other people were hurt in the ways you 've consented to and our. Said his family had been cut inside the home ever been in my life ``. In that moment of my life. `` now is on trying to bring him back Facebook! Two hours 15 minutes trying to establish how and why the pipe came to be turned by! To stand trial on October 4 charged with the same ever have I felt so scared as in moment. '', Recorder Altham says Greenham could receive gas without paying for it with the.. Theft from a meter/automatic morning my little boy was pronounced dead after two hours minutes.