A man has been convicted of murder for setting fire to a house, resulting in the tragic deaths of his former partner’s sister and her three children. Sharaz Ali, driven by jealousy and under the influence of alcohol and drugs, ignited a devastating blaze at the residence where Bryonie Gawith and her young children were staying. The incident occurred on August 21 last year in an act of revenge towards his ex-partner, Antonia Gawith, who had recently ended their abusive relationship of seven years.
While Antonia managed to escape the fire, Bryonie, aged 29, and her children – Denisty Birtle (9), Oscar Birtle (5), and Aubree Birtle (22 months) – were tragically trapped upstairs and did not survive. The court reached a verdict, finding Ali guilty of murdering Bryonie and the three children, as well as attempting to murder Antonia.
During the trial, Mr. Justice Hilliard expressed gratitude towards the jurors for their involvement in a deeply distressing case involving the murder of a mother and her three children. He acknowledged the harrowing nature of the crimes committed but also highlighted the remarkable bravery displayed by individuals who attempted to rescue the trapped children, particularly Antonia.
Calum Sunderland, who accompanied Ali to the house and facilitated his entry, was found guilty of manslaughter for the deaths of Bryonie and the children but was acquitted of more severe charges. Ali, who participated in the trial via a video link from prison, was visibly emotional before the jury’s entrance into court.
The court heard that Ali’s motive was to cause maximum harm with the fire, regardless of who was present in the house. Antonia revealed to the police that Bryonie had supported her in leaving the abusive relationship with Ali, leading him to blame her sister for the breakup.
On the fateful night of the blaze, Ali and Sunderland, accompanied by a third individual who later passed away, stopped to acquire petrol before proceeding to the house. Ali sent aggressive messages to Antonia before instructing Sunderland to break into the residence, where the tragic events unfolded.
Antonia’s firsthand account detailed the chaos and desperation during the fire, with her futile attempts to save her sister and nieces and nephew. Despite the efforts of the police and emergency responders, Bryonie and the three children could not be rescued in time.
The prosecution revealed disturbing details during the trial, including Ali’s refusal of medical assistance at the scene and subsequent physical impairments due to the incident. Testimonies from the defendants portrayed conflicting narratives regarding the events leading up to the fatal fire.
In a statement following the tragedy, Bryonie’s family mourned the loss of their beloved family members, emphasizing the vibrant personalities and cherished qualities of the deceased. Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson of West Yorkshire Police emphasized the senseless nature of the crime and extended condolences to the grieving family, acknowledging the valiant efforts of the emergency services during the tragic event.
The conviction of Ali and Sunderland serves as a small measure of justice for the devastating loss suffered by Bryonie and her children, leaving a lasting impact on their loved ones and the community.