The family of a 91-year-old pensioner who died in a house fire caused by his neighbour say they are disappointed at the sentence handed down.

Samuel Carson died in February 2014 when the blaze spread from his neighbour’s garage in Carryduff, Co Down, trapping him in his home.

58 year old Karen Hasson of Thorndale Park, Carryduff, today received a two-year probation order with 100 hours of community service.

She had admitted the manslaughter of her elderly neighbour.

The court heard she was seriously troubled at the time of the incident.

In a statement issued after today’s sentencing hearing, the Carson family said they are disappointed by the sentence handed down.

However, they say they are glad it brings closure to the terrible circumstances of Samuel’s death.