Man jailed for killing Doncaster family in Northern Ireland house fire

A man who admitted killing four members of a family from Doncaster in a house fire in Northern Ireland has been sentenced to 29 years in prison.

Daniel Sebastian Allen, 33, whose address was given in court as HMP Maghaberry, 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 on February 27 2018.

Relating to the death of 45-year-old Denise Gossett, Allen admitted manslaughter by reason of suicide pact. He also admitted arson with intent to endanger life.

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.

The family moved to Derrylin, a remote village in Co Fermanagh, from Doncaster, and Allen had been living with them.

Our colleagues in Northern Ireland were outside Belfast Crown Court following the sentencing:

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

"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."

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