Man jailed for 29 years over house fire that killed three generations of same family

The judge said the man would not be eligible for parole until 2047

Detective Inspector Hazel Miller said the victims ‘perished in a fire’ deliberately started by Daniel Allen in their home in Co Fermanagh (Niall Carson/PA)

A man who killed four members of the same family in a house fire in Co Fermanagh was described as having a “dangerous and disturbing part of his make-up” as he was sentenced to 29 years in prison.

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, Co Fermanagh, on February 27 2018.

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

Denise Gosset was killed in the house fire in Co Fermanagh in February 2018 (PSNI/PA)

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

He appeared in the dock at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday for sentencing.

Mr Justice O’Hara said Allen came from an “unstable, unhappy background”, and “lived most of his life online … in a fantasy world” because of isolation from others.

Allen pleaded guilty to the murder of 16-year-old Roman Gossett, pictured (PSNI/PA)

But the judge said the killings required planning, and could not be explained by a “sudden detachment from reality or loss of control”.

“There is a very dangerous and disturbing part of his make-up that led to these murders,” he added.

Mr Justice O’Hara said Allen would serve 29 years in prison before he could be considered for release.

Sabrina Gosset was 19 when she died in the house fire in Derrylin (PSNI/PA)

Taking into account time already served, the judge said Allen would not be eligible for parole until 2047.

Denise Gossett’s surviving daughter Samantha said her life would never be the same again.

A statement from Ms Gossett was read outside court by Detective Inspector Hazel Miller.

“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.

Sabrina Gossett’s 15-month-old daughter Morgana Quinn also died in the fire (PSNI/PA)

“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.”

Ms Miller said Allen had been held accountable for his actions.

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

“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.

“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.”