A man who caused an explosion in a bungalow while trying to make cannabis oil suffered “devastating” injuries in the process, a court was told.

Christopher Titterington sustained significant facial and upper body burns in the blast that rocked the kitchen of the semi-detached rented property in Rosedale Terrace, Horden, at about 10.10pm on July 2, 2020.

Durham Crown Court heard that a spark from either an electrical appliance or a light switch is likely to have ignited butane gas being used in the production of the cannabis oil, also known as honey oil or dabs.

Paul Rooney, prosecuting, said: “It caused a devastating explosion and the defendant suffered significant burns to the upper part of his body, spending several weeks in hospital.

“The explosion was so powerful it blew the kitchen window out of its frame.”

Read more: Explosion and fire at Horden house linked to domestic cannabis grow

Mr Rooney said firefighters found, "a butane rich environment”, with a large number of cylinders present containing and storing the oil, plus many plastic bags found containing cannabis leaves.

“It was an industrial process in a domestic setting, without any training.

“We don’t know if anyone was in the adjoining bungalow at the time, but the defendant took the risk and was reckless if there was further damage.”

Mr Rooney said an estimated £75,000-worth of damage was caused, leaving the landlord unable to meet the repair bill, as the insurance pay-out did not cover the full cost, while he has also lost the income from being able to further rent out the property in the aftermath of the explosion.

The court heard that only weeks earlier the defendant was arrested for production of cannabis and was “under investigation” for that when the explosion took place.

He went on to receive an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for that, but it appears the magistrates’ court dealing with him was unaware of the ongoing inquiry into the explosion.

Read more: Man jailed for growth of cannabis in County Durham

Titterington, 28, now of West Street, Blackhall Colliery, admitted charges of arson and being concerned in the production of a class B drug.

Sentence was adjourned for an update on the defendant’s medical condition.

Warren Ridley, in mitigation, told the court: “His life has been devastated by this. There is significant personal mitigation.”

Mr Ridley said the defendant has now “put behind him” his cannabis use and has been ‘negative’ when tested for drugs since last year.

Judge James Adkin said despite his arrest for cannabis production, in May, 2020, the defendant seemed to have had, “a penchant for undertaking chemistry lessons at home to produce better quality cannabis.”

He described the practice as, “inherently dangerous”, causing substantial damage but also leaving the defendant with “significant injuries” for which he is still receiving treatment.

Imposing a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, Judge Adkin said Titterington should undertake 35 probation-led rehabilitation activity days.

He also ordered forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis and paraphernalia recovered by police after the blast.

Following the sentence, Detective Constable Jayne Marshall, who led the investigation, said: “It was a miracle Titterington did not kill himself or others, or create serious damage to neighbouring homes as a result of his actions.

“They not only left him with life-changing injuries but had devastating consequences for the owner of the property too.

“This incident just shows the dangers of trying to make cannabis oil and I would urge anyone thinking about it to think again.”

Read next:

                Cannabis grower placed in County Durham home to repay debt

                Man enjoyed lucrative trade selling cannabis oil online

                Immigrant was arrested tending big cannabis crop in Durham

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