A 33-year-old man who killed three generations of the same family has been told he will spend 29 years in jail before being considered for release.
Daniel Sebastian Allen had pleaded guilty to three murders and one count of manslaughter linked to the deaths of four people in Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, on 27 February 2018.
Denise Gossett, 45, her 16-year-old son Roman, her 19-year-old daughter Sabrina and Sabrina’s 15-month-old daughter Morgana Quinn died following a house fire.
Allen pleaded guilty to the murders of Sabrina, Roman and Morgana.
He pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his partner Denise Gossett, claiming they had been joint partners in a suicide pact.
Mr Justice O’Hara painted a picture of a chaotic life with the family constantly on the move through Scotland, Kerry and Cavan before arriving in Co Fermanagh.
He said he had serious doubts about the version of events advanced by the defendant and was not convinced that Allen had intended to take his own life.
The court heard the relationship between Allen and Denise Gossett was under strain and the defendant had met another woman online and had talked of moving to the US.
The judge said a “very dangerous and disturbing part” of Allen’s make up had led to the killings.
The defendant showed no emotion as he was told it would be 2047 before he would be considered for parole.
Denise Gossett’s daughter described her mother as her “rock”.
In a statement, Samantha Gossett said: “My beautiful mother was taken from me. My younger brother and sister, Roman and Sabrina, along with Sabrina’s wee baby Morgan 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.”
PSNI Detective Inspector Hazel Miller said three generations had died in the fire, which was deliberately started by Allen, describing it as a “horrific and cruel act”.
She said: “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.”
DI Miller acknowledged the work of the emergency services who attended the fire “and tried so hard to save the family”.
She also thanked “neighbours and local people for their selfless support”.
She added: “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.”
