Accused of fatal fire intended to cause maximum pain

A tragic fire in August 2024 claimed the lives of Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her three young children in Bradford, a court has heard. Prosecutors allege that 40-year-old Sharaz Ali deliberately set the blaze with the intention of causing extreme harm.

The trial revealed that Ali was allegedly driven by jealousy and under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he targeted the family home on Westbury Road. At the time, Bryonie's sister, Antonia Gawith, was staying at the house after ending a relationship with Ali.

During closing arguments at Doncaster Crown Court, prosecutor David Brooke KC told jurors that Ali "must have known" the children were inside but "didn't care who was there." The prosecution outlined that Ali reportedly poured petrol around the home and on himself, attempting to lure Antonia out, before igniting a devastating fire that killed Bryonie and her children, all of whom were upstairs.

Mr Brooke emphasized that the attack was allegedly motivated by revenge, saying Ali's actions stemmed from "deep and persistent anger and jealousy" toward his former partner. He described the crime as intended to inflict maximum physical and emotional suffering on both Antonia and her sister.

The court heard that Ali had sent threatening messages in the days prior to the fire, demonstrating clear resentment and self-pity. The texts were presented as evidence of his motives, alongside testimony describing his intoxicated state and aggressive behavior.

The victims were Bryonie Gawith and her children: Denisty, nine; Oscar, five; and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle.

Ali, who has no fixed address, and Calum Sunderland, 26, from Keighley, face charges of murdering Bryonie and her children and attempting to murder Antonia. Sunderland has claimed he was only asked to set fire to a car and was unaware that people were inside the house. Both men deny the charges. The trial is ongoing.

Author: Logan Reeves