The victims in a Derrylin house fire in February of last year were named in court for the first time this week. Daniel Allen, of an address 57 Molly Road, appeared via video link charged with the murder of Denise Gossett, Sabrina Gossett, Roman Gossett and Morganna Gossett on February 2018.

Allen is also charged with one count of arson endangering life and of the criminal damage of a property.

Allen did not speak during the hearing where the case was adjourned until March 11. The prosecution stated that the final charges had now been entered into the system but that they would not be ready to proceed with a preliminary enquiry but hope to inform the court of a date when that could happen on March 11.

Defending solicitor, Gary Black told the court that:

“Two and a half months ago in December the directing officer had indicated a preliminary enquiry for the 11th of March. This is not going to happen now, and it appears that two months of that time has been spent on this first stage and I would be keen to ensure that moving forward that the timetable is much more strictly adhered to by the prosecution.”