A Judge the High Court at Wellington says there's a clear conflict between the letter of apology from the man who lit the fatal Loafers Lodge Fire, and evidence from a psychiatrist

Esarona Lologa has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum none parole period of 22 years after five people died when he set fire to the Wellington hostel in 2023.

During his trial, he unsuccessfully claimed a defence of insanity, as he's receiving treatment paranoid schizophrenia.

Justice Peter Churchman says Lologa's actions were calculated and he didn't apologise for his offending.

He says he demonstrated no remorse, and instead tried to deflect accountability due to mental health.