21 February 2024 , 12:07
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A man who killed his partner and her two children and grandchild in a botched suicide pact has been jailed for 29 years.
Daniel Sebastian Allen pleaded guilty to murdering Sabrina Gossett, 19, her brother Roman Gossett, 16, and her 15-month-old daughter Morgana Quinn. He also pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of their mother - and his partner - Denise Gosset. The court heard he had a suicide pact with 45-year-old Ms Gossett.
Allen claimed he strangled Sabrina but there was no evidence to prove this and her cause of death could not be ascertained. Denise Gossett was still alive when the fire started and died from smoke inhalation. Her body was found handcuffed to a bed.
Allen, originally from the Midlands, killed all four members of the same family in a house fire in Derrylin, Co Fermanagh on February 27, 2018. Today, at Belfast Crown Court, he was sentenced for the killings, and showed no emotion as he was told of his fate.
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 judge told him: "There's a very dangerous and disturbing part of his makeup that led to these deaths."
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Denise Gosset was killed by parter Allen (PA)Speaking after sentencing, Denise's eldest daughter Samantha Gossett said: “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. 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.”
Daniel Sebastian Allen was jailed for 29 years (Photopress Belfast)PSNI Detective Inspector Hazel Miller described the fire as a "horrific and cruel act". She said: "It's hard to even begin to imagine the panic, fear and sheer suffering. I'd like to acknowledge the efforts of our police officers and of colleagues from the Fire Service and the Ambulance Service, who attended this heart-breaking scene and tried so hard to save the family.
Detective Inspector Hazel Miller (PA)"I'm also keen to thank neighbours and local people for their selfless support. 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."