Man jailed for 29 years for killing family in house fire in Derrylin

A man was sentenced today (Wednesday) to 29 years in jail for killing four members of the same family in a house fire in Co Fermanagh six years ago.

Daniel Sebastian Allen (33), previously pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his partner Denise Gossett and the murder of her daughter Sabrina Gossett (19) , son Roman Gossett (16), and Sabrina Gossett's 15-month-old daughter Morgana Quinn in the deliberate fire at a house in Derrylin, on February 27, 2018.

On the death of 45-year-old Denise Gossett, Allen previously admitted manslaughter by reason of suicide pact.

The defendant, whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry, also admitted arson with intent to endanger life.

Delivering sentence, Mr Justice O'Hara said Allen will serve 29 years in prison before he can be considered for release, which, taking into account time already served, will be in 2047.

In a statement, Denise Gossett's surviving daughter Samantha said her life will never be the same again.

A statement from Samantha Gossett was read outside Belfast Crown Court by Detective Inspector Hazel Miller following the sentencing.

"My beautiful mother was taken from me. My younger brother and sister, Roman and Sabrina, along with Sabrina's wee baby Morgana are all gone too," she said.

"Their four lives were taken in a fire started deliberately. And it breaks my heart to think on what happened; to think on how they died.

"I miss them so much. And, to be honest, it's very difficult to convey such a loss in words. My remaining family and I are incredibly thankful for everything the police, and those who helped bring this to court, have done.

"It is hard to move on with our lives, and my life will never be the same again. But the support of everyone, especially my partner and friends, has truly meant such a lot."

Detective Inspector Miller said Allen had been held accountable for his actions., and described the killing as a "horrific and cruel act."

"Three generations - a mother, her two children and her granddaughter - perished in a fire deliberately started by Daniel Allen in their home in Derrylin," she said. "The four whose lives were lost were Denise Gosset, aged 45, her 16-year old son Roman, her 19-year-old daughter Sabrina, and Sabrina's baby daughter Morgana. Morgana was just 15 months old.

"Allen pleaded guilty to the murder of Sabrina, Roman and Morgana. He denied the murder of Denise but confessed to her manslaughter, and also admitted to arson with intent to endanger life.

"This was a horrific and cruel act. It's hard to even begin to imagine the panic, fear and sheer suffering. With the use of forensic evidence, and working in partnership with the Public Prosecution Service, Daniel Allen has today been held accountable for his actions.

"I'm deeply mindful, however, that this is an event that will never be forgotten. We've seen destruction and a loss beyond words. My thoughts are with the remaining family members, whose lives won't ever be the same."