14-Year Sentence for Man Whose Cannabis Explosion Killed Boy

A devastating explosion in Newcastle, caused by the illegal processing of cannabis into sweets, has claimed the life of a seven-year-old boy. Reece Galbraith, responsible for the explosion, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for manslaughter. The incident occurred in the early hours of October 16, 2024, in the Benwell area. Galbraith's actions resulted not only in the death of schoolboy Archie York but also the death of his friend, Jason Laws. A neighbour described the scene as "horrific", recalling the intense heat and shockwaves from the blast. This case highlights the dangers of illegal drug activity and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives. The 14-year sentence serves as a stark reminder of the severity of such crimes. The community is left to grapple with the loss and the aftermath of this tragedy.