Man Receives Whole-Life Sentence for Arson Murder of Woman and Three Children in Bradford
Sharaz Ali, a 40-year-old man, has been sentenced to a whole-life order for the horrific arson attack that claimed the lives of his ex-partner's sister and her three young children in Bradford. The judge at Doncaster Crown Court declared that Ali's intention was to "wipe out a family" during the sentencing hearing, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crime.
"Haunted" Survivor Speaks of Torment
Antonia Gawith, who was the intended target of the attack, told the court she remains "haunted" by the knowledge that her family members died because someone wanted to kill her. "Knowing they died because someone wanted to kill me is a torment I can never put into words," she stated emotionally during the proceedings.
Antonia had recently ended an abusive seven-year relationship with Ali when he arrived at the Bradford house in the early hours of August 21, 2024. "Motivated by jealousy and fuelled by drink and drugs," according to court testimony, Ali set the fatal blaze that killed 29-year-old Bryonie Gawith and her three children: Denisty Birtle (9), Oscar Birtle (5), and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle.
Judge Praises Mother's Courage
Mr Justice Hilliard, presiding over the case, praised Bryonie Gawith's "immense courage" in her final moments. The judge noted that despite seeing Ali pouring petrol around the house, Bryonie refused to abandon her children. "Although she must have known what Mr Ali was going to do, there was no way she was going to run out of the house and desert her children," Justice Hilliard stated. "She remained at the top of the stairs to protect them."
The judge emphasized that substantial premeditation went into the murders, stating he was certain Ali had determined to burn down the house and everyone inside if Antonia did not change her mind about their relationship. "The three children were 'acceptable collateral damage' for Ali because he was so full of hatred for Bryonie," the judge explained, noting that Ali blamed Bryonie for the breakup with Antonia.
Accomplice Receives Life Sentence
Calum Sunderland, a 27-year-old crack-cocaine addict who accompanied Ali to the house and kicked in the door, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 18 years for manslaughter. Justice Hilliard stated that Sunderland "knew the house was occupied" and agreed to participate in an "extraordinarily dangerous" scheme. "He played with fire and four people died as a result," the judge declared.
Traumatic Trial Details Emerge
During the trial, Antonia Gawith described the horrific night in heartbreaking detail. She recalled trying to reach her sister and the children upstairs but being prevented by emergency responders because she was still covered in petrol. "They said it wasn't safe. I was just begging them all and screaming and crying, and I just wanted to save them and I just couldn't," she testified. "I couldn't do anything."
DCI Stacey Atkinson, who led the investigation, revealed before sentencing that Ali knew the children were inside the house and "knew they had no way of escape." Ali himself suffered severe injuries in the fire he started, with police officers rescuing him from the blaze. He sustained burns to 70% of his body, required amputation of two fingers on each hand, and continues to use oxygen with difficulty speaking.
The defendant was initially not expected to survive his injuries but recovered enough to stand trial after emerging from a coma. Family members wept in the public gallery as Antonia described her sister as having "warmth that could fill a room and a heart so big she would give the world away if she could." She added through tears that Bryonie's children were "my babies, my joy."
