A MAN who was badly burned in an explosion as he attempted to steal scrap metal has been fined.

David Watson, 35, admitted theft from a disused garage when he appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court this week.

The court heard how Watson, of Welbeck Road, Walker, had gone with friends to the derelict former ATS garage at St Mary’s Place to look for scrap on October 23.

The building, which has been empty for several years, was not locked or fenced off. But as they tried to cut out a length of cable there was a huge explosion ... knocking Watson out and setting his clothes on fire.

He only escaped with his life because he managed to stumble to nearby Mitchell Street after regaining consciousness. There a driver spotted him at around 3pm and called 999.

Michael Rose, prosecuting, told the court: “She became aware of someone trying to flag her down.

“The man had burned skin on his hands and his clothing was blackened and his left leg appeared to her to be melted.

“He was clearly in a great deal of pain. The paramedics took him to hospital.”