A man has been found guilty of the explosion which ripped through New Ferry.
Pascal Blasio was convicted of causing the powerful blast which left more than 80 people injured and damaged over 60 homes, shops and businesses in 2017.
Liverpool Crown Court heard over a three-week trial how the explosion was instigated by the 57-year-old’s ‘Homes in Style’ store on the night of March 25.
Gas suppliers CNC were previously fined £320,000 and an additional £50,000 prosecution costs after pleaded guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
On Monday, Blasio was found guilty of causing an explosion likely to endanger life and a fraudulent insurance claim submitted following the explosion.
Sentencing on the business owner, from Gillingham in Kent, has been adjurned until October 23 in order for preparatory reports to be submitted to the court.
Natalie Perischine, Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, said: “The actions of Pascal Blasio that night were nothing short of reckless. It is only by sheer luck that nobody was killed that night because of his actions.
“Over two-and-a-half years on dozens of people are still continuing to recover from the physical and mental scars they suffered that night and many people have still not been able to return to their homes and businesses. New Ferry has, in effect, been left to pick up the pieces of Blasio’s actions.
“I would like to thank my team of detectives and our colleagues at the Crown Prosecution Service who have worked tirelessly to bring this case to court.
“I would also like to thank our colleagues at the Health and Safety Executive, Wirral Council, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service for their assistance with this investigation.
“This has been a complex and difficult investigation which has involved a team of detectives working round-the-clock to secure the evidence to bring this case to court and secure justice for the people affected.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the public – particularly the community of New Ferry and those directly affected – for their patience and understanding during this lengthy investigation.
“I hope that today’s verdict means that the people of New Ferry can now start to move on and rebuild their lives.”
Cllr Pat Hackett, leader of Wirral Council, added: “For many of those affected by the explosion on March 25 2017 this verdict will bring the curtain down on one of the most traumatic effects of the incident.
“Ever since that night, the questions ‘how did this happen?’ and ‘who was responsible?’ have cast a shadow over residents and business owners and in many cases served as an obstacle to their ability to recover, rebuild and move on.
“The guilty verdict today will bring to an end this particular chapter of the New Ferry story, but the story is far from over.
“Work is advanced on a residential masterplan for the area, which will provide a key trigger for the wider regeneration of New Ferry.
“But the area’s real strength over the last two years has been its people – the resolve, determination and resilience they have shown from the very first seconds after the explosion has been inspirational and I am happy that this verdict will mean many people can draw a line under this part of the incident and continue to move forward with more certainty and confidence.”