Man Sentenced to Life for Deadly House Fire That Killed Four
Sharaz Ali, 40, has been sentenced to life in prison with a whole life order, meaning he will never be released, for murdering his ex-partner's sister and her three children in a house fire in Bradford. The tragic incident occurred on August 21, 2024, when Ali set fire to the home where Antonia Gawith was staying after ending an abusive seven-year relationship with him.
Details of the Fatal Attack
Ali was found guilty in December of murdering Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her children: Denisty Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 months. Antonia Gawith managed to escape the blaze, but Bryonie and her children were trapped upstairs and perished in the fire. During sentencing at Doncaster Crown Court, Mr Justice Hilliard stated that Ali intended to "wipe out a family," describing the children as "acceptable collateral damage" due to his intense hatred for Bryonie.
The judge emphasized that Ali blamed Bryonie for the end of his relationship with Antonia and was motivated by jealousy, fueled by alcohol and drugs. He noted substantial pre-meditation, with Ali determined to burn down the house and anyone inside if Antonia did not change her mind about the relationship. Bryonie was praised for acting with immense courage, staying in the house to protect her children despite knowing the danger.
Victim Impact and Legal Proceedings
In a victim impact statement, Antonia described her sister as her confidante, best friend, and anchor, stating that the attack destroyed her world and left an unbearable void. She expressed that the violence meant for her took the lives of her loved ones, with the image of their lifeless bodies etched into her mind. Prosecutor David Brooke KC highlighted the cruelty of the murders, noting that a child's scream was heard on the 999 call, muted during the trial, and that Ali poured petrol on Antonia, showing an intention to cause excruciating pain.
Accomplice Also Sentenced
Calum Sunderland, 26, who accompanied Ali to the house and kicked in the door, was found guilty of manslaughter for the deaths of Bryonie and the three children but cleared of murder and attempted murder charges. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 18 years. The judge stated that Sunderland knew the house was occupied and agreed to an extraordinarily dangerous scheme, playing with fire that resulted in four deaths.
This case underscores the devastating consequences of domestic violence and premeditated crime, with the community and families left to grapple with profound loss and grief.
