'It's a miracle' that man who blew up home while making cannabis oil is still alive

A man who blew a rented bungalow up while attempting to make cannabis oil has been told it is a miracle that he is still alive.

Christopher Titterington sustained significant injuries during the explosion in Rosedale Terrace, Horden, on July 2, 2020.

Titterington, 28, of West Street, Blackhall Colliery, caused more than £75,000 worth of damage at the property.

He has now received a 14-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, after pleading guilty at Durham Crown Court to arson and being concerned in the production of cannabis.

A police cordon outside the Horden property while, inset, firefighters tackle the blaze.placeholder image
A police cordon outside the Horden property while, inset, firefighters tackle the blaze.

Detective Constable Jayne Marshall, who led the Durham Police investigation, said afterwards: “It was a miracle Titterington did not kill himself or others or create serious damage to neighbouring homes as a result of his actions which not only left him with life-changing injuries but had devastating consequences for the owner of the property too.”

Police said at the time that a man had been taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary with serious facial injuries.

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