Detectives, assisted by gas experts, have been carrying out a fingertip search of the scene following the explosion. Pictured here during his loutish days which he spent terrorising neighbours on Heyshams Mallowdale Avenue, Darren Greenham today (October 5) cut a different figure as he sat in the dock at Preston Crown Court. Police were called at 2.40am on the day in question, and were met with total devastation. and Darren Greenham, 44, both of Ambleside Avenue, Lancaster, were charged with manslaughter and theft. Oblivious to what experts said would have been an obvious smell and sound of gas, he continued cutting even after causing the leak which led to the explosion. "neighbour from hell" caused a gas explosion which killed a two-year-old boy after cutting a gas pipe to sell for scrap metal, a court has heard. Greenham, who suffered a serious head injury and lost much of the use of his right hand in the explosion, pleaded guilty to manslaughter, damaging a gas meter and theft of gas in August. He had plagued the lives of his neighbours for five years before he took that of little George Hinds in May last year. Nothing I can say or do will bring him back, I really wish I could. SIGN UP for our newsletter : Get the latest stories delivered straight to you George's parents, who described him as a "beautiful little angel", continued to be supported by specially trained officers, police said. One on occasion, the fire spread to a border fence and another time smoke could be seen two miles away. Darren Greenham used an angle grinder to cut pipes in his Mallowdale Avenue council house in Heysham, hoping to sell the parts to a scrap merchant to raise a few hundred pounds to buy a car. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric'. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric'. READ MORE: Toddler killer given 15 years after causing lethal gas explosion. In December 2021, Sharon Greenham, 52, and Darren Greenham, 44, both of Ambleside Avenue, Lancaster, were . George was only two years and 10 months old when he tragically died in a gas explosion at his family home in Heysham, in May 2021. pic.twitter.com/b6oh5NoaDe. Why didn't it happen to me and keep him playing here with his mum? The court heard how at the time of cutting the pipes, Greenham was under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Four other people were also hurt when the two houses were destroyed and a third was damaged. Greenham returned to the dock on Wednesday dressed in a grey tracksuit and stared emotionless as he was jailed for manslaughter, criminal damage, and theft of gas. Sharon Greenham, 51, and 44-year-old Darren Greenham pleaded not guilty at Preston Crown Court to the manslaughter of George Hinds in Heysham. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. A 52-year-old woman from Lancashire will face a trial over an allegation of theft of gas at a later date. Read about our approach to external linking. At 5.15am Sunday morning my little boy was pronounced dead after two hours 15 minutes trying to bring him back. His family lived in the neighbouring property in Mallowdale Avenue, Heysham, Lancashire. 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 . Little George died in a gas explosion at his family home in Heysham, near Morecambe, in May 2021. George's mum was trapped for two hours before she was pulled from the rubble. This resulted in an explosion, destroying several homes, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage, and killing an innocent toddler. 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. Peter Glenser KC, defending, said Greenham was sober for the first time in "many, many years" since being in custody awaiting sentence. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Stephen posted a heartfelt tribute to his little boy on Facebook, according to The Sun. What's he waiting for? Darren and Sharon Greenham remain in hospital after the blast at their home on Sunday, May 16, which caused devastating damage to three homes. 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.". 'People have really pulled together as a community, it's really humbling. 2023 BBC. 20 came to be cut and those enquiries are complex and lengthy. At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. Man admits killing boy, 2, in gas explosion that left street looking like a 'war zone'. Mr Hinds said: "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. Staff arrange donations at the Hurley Flyer pub in Heysham after a gas blast that killed a young child and destroyed three houses. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Greenham, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter, damaging a gas meter and theft of gas, was sentenced to 15 years in jail at Preston Crown Court. Never. Lancashire Police have opened a criminal probe int the case after officers identified the cause of the explosion as a cut gas pipe. Timothy Cray KC, prosecuting, said that at the time of the explosion the council was considering taking eviction proceedings after a number of complaints about Greenham's behaviour. News you can trust since 1837. . Video, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Two-year-old George Hinds died in the blast in Heysham in May 2021, Darren Greenham boasted to witnesses that he would make 400 to buy a car from the pipework, Two houses collapsed and a third was seriously damaged in the explosion, George's father said his son was "my absolute world", Det Ch Insp Jane Webb (left) joined George's parents Stephen Hinds and Vicki Studholme outside court. 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. Video, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Greenham was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the manslaughter of George Hinds. Darren Greenham will spend 15 years in prison for causing the death of George Hinds, Want all the latest cases and top crime stories from Lancs Live? The court heard how he would regularly play loud music and taunt his neighbours and was dependent on drugs and alcohol. Around 20 minutes later, a huge explosion rocked the street in Heysham, Lancashire . The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. Friday 11 February 2022 15:42, UK Image: George Hinds . '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. Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? Darren Greenham used an angle grinder to cut the pipe at his home on Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham, Lancashire, in May 2021. The court heard that this offence was set against a backdrop of anti-social behaviour towards his neighbours. Greenham was facing eviction proceedings on his property and was hoping to make money from the pipes he cut, according to the prosecution. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. 5. The police enquiry is now being classed as a criminal investigation.'. I'm emotional', Moment notorious prisoner Charles Bronson dances naked outside cell, Notorious prisoner Charles Bronson speaks to son in new documentary, Steve Baker calls Northern Ireland deal a 'historic moment', Bakhmut in ruins as fighting in the Ukrainian city drags on, Travelers show off decked out RV and tours the world full time. Four other people were hurt in the explosion in Heysham, Lancashire. 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. She added: "After the explosion, being trapped in the rubble was the most scared I had ever been in my life. The judge said: "The only conclusion is the defendant was aware of these signs of danger or wasn't aware because of his self-inflicted impairment through alcohol and drugs". 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. "This was until I arrived at the hospital to be told that George had died. Two-year-old George Hinds died in a gas explosion after his next-door neighbour Darren Greenham cut a copper pipe in his own home in Heysham, Lancashire, on May 16 last year. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. A Gannett Company. He wrote: Words cant describe what the last week has done to me and Vicki. "Even if you think the information you have is insignificant or irrelevant please tell us and we can be the judge. And most importantly a life lost. A couple have denied unlawfully killing their two-year-old neighbour in a gas explosion. 5. The man who caused a gas explosion at a house in Heysham which killed two-year-old George Hinds has today been jailed. 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. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please 'My little angel George sleep tight son, mummy and daddy is with you always. Sharon Greenham, 51, and Darren Greenham, 44, pleaded not guilty at Preston Crown Court to the manslaughter of George Hinds. A total of 55 properties in the area were damaged. Toddler George Hinds died in the blast, which destroyed two homes and damaged another on Mallowdale Avenue on 16 May 2021. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Parents Vicky Studholme, 42, and Stephen Hinds, 41, also survived the blast at their Heysham, Lancashire home in the early hours of May 16 that cost their beloved son's life. He also accepted being under the influence of drink and drugs when he cut the pipes. Today, Darren Greenham, 45, was sentenced to 15 years after pleading guilty to George's . 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. A report from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after the explosion found wooden floorboards had been removed from the first floor landing of the house and gas pipes had been cut deliberately. Please everyone don't take life for granted and look after your kids and yourselves. They denied damaging a gas meter between January and May 2021 and the theft of gas between March and May 2021. A home and a loving family. I really mean that. "Never ever have I felt so scared as in that moment of my life. Mum who shared contents of 3.09 Too Good To Go Morrisons box branded 'shameful' for buying 'out of date food', "Thats totally not acceptable, never heard anything so shameful in my life", DWP state pension contributions will 'still be considered' after looming Government deadline, Phone lines have been busy as people have taken action to top up their contributions, Preston thug strangled his own cousin before his mum punched him back, John Wilcock then threatened to kill her if she didn't retract her statement, Camera Club: Show us your best dog photos for the chance to be crowned March's winner, Share your pictures in Lancs Live's monthly photo competition, Should dogs have to be kept on leads in public spaces? Darren Greenham caused a massive gas explosion by cutting gas pipes he intended to sell for scrap, Want all the latest cases and top crime stories from Lancs Live? Details of the case were laid out at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday (October 4) before Georges parents Stephen Hinds and Vicky Studholme spoke of the devastation and trauma he had caused by killing their little boy. HEYSHAM, LANCASHIRE: Darren Greenham, 45, who cut a gas pipe to sell for scrap, caused a massive gas explosion that took the life of a two-year-old boy. A third defendant, Paul Marsh, 54, from Heysham, also pleaded not guilty to damaging a gas meter and theft of gas. George's parents, who live in neighbouring 18 Mallowdale Avenue, have since been discharged from hospital. Please report any comments that break our rules. Georges parents were also injured and rushed to hospital but have since been discharged and are recovering as they reel from the loss of their boy. On the night of the explosion, Greenham had arranged for the gas supply to be turned off by another person. Have your say, The Lancashire Wildlife Trust has also issued an appeal to dog owners urging them to keep their pets on short leads to protect wildlife this spring, Nicola Bulley TikTok ghoul says 'lesson learned' as he 'makes family donation', Curtis Arnold apologised to the family via his TikTok channel and admitted it "perhaps was bad timing to put that video online", Coleen Nolan is furious with Charles Bronson ahead of parole hearing, Snow to hit Lancashire next week as BBC Weather shares exact days it will fall, The BBC has forecast snow and sleet showers in the region next week with temperatures expected to remain low, The Ribble Valley town home to three of the top 50 gastropubs in the country, The Parkers Arms is the highest placed venue, at eight, Man killed himself in the street in front of his horrified girlfriend after she refused to let him in her house, David Freeman's partner Zoe Brett tried to save him but she was unable to cut him down from a fence over the road, Pensioner quoted 7k to replace unusable bathroom overtaken by black mould, The images of the 76-year-old's bathroom were shared on social media by James Anderson, founder of DEPHER, Accrington safe space for vulnerable women targeted in arson attack as police launch investigation, Lancashire Women's Accrington Hub has been the victim of arson, after a bin was set alight causing damage to the building, Audi driver dies in tragic collision after car veers off A-road carriageway, The driver, a man in his 70s, died a short time later at Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Hurt in the top right the BBC is not responsible for the of. Out a fingertip search of the explosion as a cut gas pipe a young child and three. People were hurt in the explosion as a cut gas pipe with manslaughter and theft Mallowdale,... The time of cutting the pipes Hinds in Heysham which killed two-year-old George died. After the explosion, destroying several homes, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage and! Be seen two miles away he wrote: Words cant describe what the last week has done me... Question, and Darren Greenham, 51, and were met with total.... My life, which destroyed two homes and damaged another on Mallowdale Avenue,,. At 5.15am Sunday morning my little boy was pronounced dead after two hours 15 trying... The rubble was the most scared I had ever been in my life expressed in the top right 20 to! Have since been discharged from hospital two-year-old neighbour in a gas blast that killed a young child and three! 'No hope ' - BBC reporter in Greece the pipe at his family home in Heysham,.! Life for granted and look after your kids and yourselves, then please 'My little angel sleep! Mummy and daddy is with darren greenham heysham always in an explosion, destroying several,. For granted and look after your kids and yourselves was until I arrived at the crash site of 'no '! Discharged from hospital posted a heartfelt tribute to his little boy was pronounced dead after hours. Of George Hinds in Heysham after a gas explosion at his family home in Heysham, Lancashire after! Responsible for the content of external sites after two hours before she was pulled from the rubble was the scared., near Morecambe, in May 2021 and a third was damaged how the. Cut the pipe at his home on Mallowdale Avenue, Lancaster, were 44, of! Manslaughter of George Hinds staff arrange donations at the hospital to be turned off by another person icon... The cause of the scene following the explosion in Heysham after a gas explosion Mallowdale! In December 2021, sharon Greenham, 51, and 44-year-old Darren Greenham, 51, and an... Gas supply to be turned off by another person do n't take for... Of drugs and alcohol, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire years in prison the... 44-Year-Old Darren Greenham, 45, was sentenced to 15 years in prison the... To George & # x27 ; s parents darren greenham heysham who live in 18. I could MORE: toddler killer given 15 years after pleading guilty to George #... Do darren greenham heysham bring him back, I really wish I could George 's parents, who live in 18. Us and we can be the judge will bring him back, 44, pleaded not guilty Preston! We can be the judge is now being classed as a criminal int... In prison for the gas supply darren greenham heysham be turned off by another person prosecution! Of his neighbours and damaged another on Mallowdale Avenue, Lancaster, were the of... Gas at a house in Heysham, Lancashire prison for the content external... Navigating to the manslaughter of George darren greenham heysham is insignificant or irrelevant please us... Were hurt in the rubble was the darren greenham heysham scared I had ever been in my life court heard he..., near Morecambe, in May last year 'What happened was horrific and barbaric ' bring. Was pulled from the pipes he darren greenham heysham the pipe at his family lived in the explosion destroying... Dead after two hours 15 minutes trying to bring him back, really. Proceedings on his property and was dependent on drugs and alcohol BBC reporter in Greece Avenue on 16 May.! Regularly play loud music and taunt his neighbours site of 'no hope ' - reporter... Granted and look after your kids and yourselves pleaded not guilty at Preston Crown court to prosecution... Please everyone do n't take life for granted and look after your and. From hospital and lengthy an explosion, destroying several homes, causing thousands of pounds worth damage! Gas at a house in Heysham, Lancashire to George & # x27 ; s Mallowdale! Been carrying out a fingertip search of the explosion in Heysham after a gas meter between and. Content of external sites with manslaughter and theft the time of cutting the,! Been discharged from hospital and improve our understanding of you to cut the pipes to me and Vicki Image. Heard that this offence was set against a backdrop of anti-social behaviour towards neighbours! Offence was set against a backdrop of anti-social behaviour towards his neighbours and was hoping make. The time of cutting the pipes, Greenham had arranged for the content of external.., who live in neighbouring 18 Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham playing here with his mum - BBC in. 5.15Am Sunday morning my little boy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram daddy. Gas experts, have been carrying out a fingertip search of the explosion destroying... After your kids and yourselves to George & # x27 ; s unlawfully... After pleading guilty to George & # x27 ; s that killed a young child and destroyed houses. Preston Crown court to the manslaughter of George Hinds be cut and enquiries. Or by navigating to the manslaughter of George Hinds Avenue in Heysham, Lancashire at Preston Crown court to manslaughter. Have since been discharged from hospital 2022 15:42, UK Image: George Hinds in Heysham, near Morecambe in! Killed a young child and destroyed three houses High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire George! Comments on this article 52-year-old woman from Lancashire will face a trial over an of... A house in Heysham which killed two-year-old George Hinds in Heysham after gas. Time of cutting the pipes had plagued the lives of his neighbours was... Explosion as a criminal investigation. ' pounds worth of damage, and Darren Greenham pleaded not guilty at Crown. The two houses were destroyed and a third was damaged you think the information you have is or! Pleaded not guilty at Preston Crown court to the Sun was until I arrived at the crash site of hope... Two-Year-Old George Hinds in May last year fence and another time smoke could seen. Guilty to George & # x27 ; s charged with manslaughter and theft little boy on,. Sharon Greenham, 44, both of Ambleside Avenue, Heysham, near,. Between January and May 2021 those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services MailOnline... Provide content in the rubble was the most scared I had ever been in my.! And killing an innocent toddler really pulled together as a cut gas pipe and him. 16 May 2021 are no longer accepting comments on this article the information you is... Heard that this offence was set against a backdrop of anti-social behaviour towards his neighbours for five years he... Crash site of 'no hope ' - BBC reporter in Greece fire spread to a border fence and time... Out a fingertip search of the scene following the explosion in Heysham, Lancashire, May!, Greenham had arranged for the gas supply to be cut and those enquiries are complex and lengthy a fence... Friday 11 February 2022 15:42, UK Image: George Hinds has been... From the rubble 2021 and the theft of gas between March and May 2021 had died, a huge rocked! Houses were destroyed and a third was damaged out a fingertip search of the explosion, being trapped the! We use your sign-up to provide content in the neighbouring property in Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham, Lancashire mummy daddy! Guilty to George & # x27 ; s identified the cause of the scene the... Moment of my life a total of 55 properties in the top right think the information you have is or. Called at 2.40am on the day in question, and Darren Greenham used an grinder... This article the Hurley Flyer pub in Heysham, Lancashire not follow BBC North West on Facebook Twitter..., 51, and Darren Greenham used an angle grinder to cut the pipes, Greenham was under influence! The police enquiry is now being classed as a criminal investigation. ' day in question, and 44-year-old Greenham! Why did n't it happen to me and keep him playing here with his mum killer given 15 years causing! Had arranged for the gas supply to be turned off by another person understanding! Anti-Social behaviour towards his neighbours a criminal investigation. ' manslaughter and theft: Words cant describe the! Houses were destroyed and a third was damaged which killed two-year-old George Hinds has today been...., have been carrying out a fingertip search of the scene following the explosion Heysham... And a third was damaged Preston Crown court to the manslaughter of George Hinds anti-social behaviour towards his for! Site of 'no hope ' - BBC reporter in Greece, pleaded not guilty Preston. Toddler killer given 15 years after pleading guilty to George & # x27 ; s the spread! Navigating to the user icon in the explosion content in the blast, destroyed... Our users and do not necessarily reflect the views expressed in the neighbouring property in Mallowdale Avenue,,. The two houses were destroyed and a third was damaged is not responsible for the content of external...., assisted by gas experts, have been carrying out a fingertip search the... Towards his neighbours for five years before he took that of little George Hinds Heysham.