Moenchengladbach, Germany - A man who blew up his house after his girlfriend said she was leaving him was given a life sentence on Tuesday for murder.

The 22-year-old survived the blast in March this year with serious injuries, as did his 17-year-old girlfriend, but a neighbour living in the adjacent flat was crushed to death.

The court heard that the man had turned on the gas tap in because he wanted to take his own life and calmly watched as his girlfriend lit a cigarette, triggering the explosion.

The defendant denied any intention to murder, but the court ruled that he must have been aware of the consequences of his action.

In all, 15 people were injured in the blast in western city of Moenchegladbach. (dpa)