Full Breakdown
Bradford House Fire: Sharaz Ali Found Guilty of Murdering Bryonie Gawith and Her Three Children
12/10/2025, 11:54:27 PM
Overview of the Tragic Incident
On December 10, 2025, Sharaz Ali, 40, was convicted of murdering Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her three children—Denisty Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle—during a house fire in Bradford on August 21, 2024. The fire was set as a revenge attack against Antonia Gawith, Bryonie's sister, who had recently ended an abusive relationship with Ali. The jury at Doncaster Crown Court also found Calum Sunderland, 26, guilty of four counts of manslaughter for his role in the incident.
Details of the Attack
The court heard that Ali, motivated by jealousy and fueled by drugs and alcohol, planned the attack after Antonia left him. On the night of the fire, he and Sunderland filled a canister with petrol and drove to Bryonie's home. Surveillance footage captured Sunderland kicking down the door at Ali's instruction, allowing Ali to enter and pour petrol throughout the house before igniting it. Antonia managed to escape but was unable to save her family, who were trapped upstairs.
Eyewitness Accounts and Court Testimonies
Antonia testified about her desperate attempts to save her sister and nieces. She described confronting Ali as he poured petrol and trying to wrestle the canister from him. Despite her efforts, she was forced outside as the fire erupted. The court heard that the children likely succumbed to smoke inhalation quickly. Antonia's emotional testimony highlighted the horror of the situation, stating, "I just wanted to save them and I just couldn’t."
Official Statements and Responses
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson of West Yorkshire Police condemned the actions of Ali and Sunderland, calling them "horrific and truly callous." She expressed sympathy for the family, who now face life without their loved ones. Following the verdict, Bryonie's family released a statement mourning their loss, describing Bryonie as the "glue that held us all together" and lamenting the futures stolen from her children.
Criticism & Opposition
During the trial, Sunderland claimed he was unaware of Ali's intentions and believed he was only helping to "torch a car." He maintained that he did not know anyone was in the house. This defense was met with skepticism, given the evidence presented, including video footage of his actions that night.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Ali claimed he intended to take his own life in the fire, prosecutors argued that he aimed to inflict maximum pain on Antonia and did not care who else was present. The jury ultimately found him guilty of four counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, while Sunderland was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter.
What's Next
Both Ali and Sunderland are scheduled for sentencing at a later date. The court's decision has brought some closure to a case that has left a community in mourning and raised questions about domestic violence and its tragic consequences.
