Man charged over Oldham blast in court

A man accused of the manslaughter of a two-year-old boy in a gas explosion has been in court this morning.

Jamie Heaton died in the blast while watching TV in his home in Shaw, Oldham, on June 26.

Andrew Partington, 27, who was seriously injured in the incident, is charged with killing the youngster and causing £1.2 million of criminal damage.

He appeared at Manchester Crown Court today via prison videolink after he was brought before Oldham magistrates yesterday.

In the brief hearing, he spoke only to confirm his name and that he could hear the judge and counsel.

Partington has been remanded into custody and will next appear in court via videolink for a plea and case management hearing in November 21. A provisional trial date was fixed for February 4.

Partington suffered 40% burns and a broken back in the explosion in Buckley Street and was recently brought out of a coma at the hospital where he was treated.

The seat of the blast was at his rented terrace house, which was next door to the home of Jamie and his parents, Kenny and Michelle.

A number of other homes in the street were also badly damaged.

A 32-year-old man, a gas fitter who is believed to have examined the boiler at Mr Partington's home days before the explosion, remains on police bail pending further inquiries.