The two former students who admitted they set a deadly fire at a Seton Hall University dorm were sentenced Friday to five years in prison.

Joseph T. LePore and Sean Ryan, both 26, said in November that the 2000 fire was a ?prank that got out of hand.? The admission was part of a plea bargain that let them avoid the possibility of more than 30 years behind bars if convicted. Three students were killed in the fire and dozens of others were injured.

After the two former Seton Hall students apologized for setting the fire, numerous family members and friends of the victims addressed the court. Some expressed outrage at the plea deal and asked the state to reconsider.

LePore and Ryan will be eligible for parole in 16 months. Their terms will be served at a state correctional facility for offenders between the ages of 18 and 30.

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