Katherine Errington has hit out at plans to let Reece Galbraith out of prison under the early release scheme as he had been sentenced to 14 years for the manslaughter of Archie York
The mother of a little boy killed in a drug factory house explosion has vowed to fight to keep his killer behind bars.
Archie York, seven, died almost two years ago after a powerful explosion. It was caused by a dangerous drug factory in the flat below his home in Benwell, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Reece Galbraith, who set up the deadly cannabis shatter lab, was jailed for 14 years after admitting manslaughter in the October 2024 blast.
Archie’s heartbroken parents Katherine Errington and Robbie York were recently dealt a devastating blow when they were told Galbraith could be freed. He may be released after serving just half his sentence, which Katherine described as “disgusting”.
Child-killers convicted of manslaughter, like Galbraith, are still eligible to be freed after serving half their sentence.
Archie’s mum Katherine has now begged the Prime Minister to think again on the policy introduced to reduce the population of prisons.
Katherine said: “I’m gutted. It doesn’t get any worse than what he did. They need to look at each offence more closely.
“I’m not staying quiet, I have still got a few years left. I’m just going to fight this until he’s released.
“Why should I just take this on the chin. I’m not accepting it. The way I see it is I have still got three kids now and I’m still mothering Archie. This is what I can do for him.”
Newcastle council leader Colin Ferguson backed Katherine’s views, saying: “I welcome the decision to review the early release scheme.
“The full implications of what this could mean for victims’ families, communities and public confidence in the justice system have not been fully considered.
“Archie York was just seven years old when his life was cruelly taken from him.
“He was asleep in his own home, a place where every child should feel safe and protected.
“Instead, his family suffered the unimaginable horror of losing a beloved son through no fault of their own.
“Archie’s death was not a tragic accident. It was the consequence of reckless and criminal actions.
“The prospect of those responsible for the death of a child being released early is deeply distressing for bereaved families.
“We owe it to every child and every community affected by such heartbreaking tragedies to ensure our laws properly reflect the seriousness of these offences.”
