Father says justice still not done over Shrewsbury explosion

The father of one of the victims of the Shrewsbury explosion today said justice had still not be done despite news they will be offered compensation for what happened.

Steve Godbold, whose son Scott was seriously injured in the blast on the corner of Bridge Street and Smithfield Road in January 2010, said he was still demanding answers over the cause of the incident and who was responsible.

National Grid and BT yesterday announced they would compensate 11 victims, including five who were seriously hurt.

The firms said the exact amount to be paid out was still to be finalised but the victims had been offered settlements. Both companies have agreed to pay out while the issue of liability is determined.

But Mr Godbold said he was looking forward to that matter being resolved.

He said: "Scott will get a payment and can get on with his life but I'm looking forward to it going to court and finding out who is at fault. Scott deserves a payout for what he's been through but I want justice and at the moment justice has not been served."

His comments come as Sarah Pearse, who lived with Scott and Sam Devine-Turner in a flat on the corner of Bridge Street and Smithfield Road, today said the announcement that compensation will be paid had given her some closure.

She said she had moved on after a difficult few mo- nths initially following the explosion.

Miss Pearse, 20, said she was planning to start a university course in September in Birmingham studying art and design.

National Grid and BT said they would continue to talk to the victims in a bid to reach a "satisfactory settlement".

By Russell Roberts