In a case that has shocked the community, the legal proceedings surrounding a fatal arson attack in Bradford have expanded with the conviction of an accomplice. Sharaz Ali, 40, was found guilty at Doncaster Crown Court of murdering Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her three children—Denisty Birtle, 9, Oscar Birtle, 5, and Aubree Birtle, 22 months—in a house fire in Bradford in August 2024. Ali was given a whole-life prison order for the murders and for attempting to murder Antonia Gawith, his ex-girlfriend. According to court evidence, Ali set fire to the home in the early hours of August 21, 2024, with the intent to 'inflict maximum pain' and 'take revenge' on Antonia Gawith. Antonia Gawith had ended their abusive seven-year relationship and was staying with her sister at the time of the fire. She escaped the fire, but Bryonie Gawith and the three children were trapped upstairs and died.
Calum Sunderland, 26, accompanied Ali during the incident. According to police and court testimony, Sunderland kicked the door in, allowing Ali to enter the property. However, Sunderland's own accounts have varied; he gave differing versions to police and in court, including claims about being asked to put fuel in a car, tapping the door open, or kicking it in to access keys for a car fire. This contradiction highlights inconsistencies in his testimony. Sunderland was convicted of manslaughter and jailed for life with a minimum term of 18 years.
Antonia Gawith, the intended target, provided emotional testimony in court. She stated that she was the target of the attack, with petrol poured on her. She expressed torment over surviving while her family perished, saying she lives with the guilt and loss daily.
Sunderland's relationship with Ali has been a point of contention. Initially, Sunderland denied friendship with Ali, but later admitted to drug-related dealings with him. This contradiction in his statements about their relationship was noted during the trial. Sunderland's evidence was described as 'tall tales' or 'bizarre' by prosecutors, who argued that his shifting stories undermined his credibility.
The broader context of this tragedy involves a timeline of events leading up to the fire. Prior to August 21, 2024, Sharaz Ali had been in an abusive relationship with Antonia Gawith, which she ended. This set the stage for the revenge plot. On the night of the incident, Ali recruited Sunderland, and together they went to the house. Sunderland's role, as per court evidence, was to breach the entrance, which he did by kicking the door in, despite his later claims of merely tapping it open. Once inside, Ali poured petrol and ignited the fire, leading to the horrific deaths.
As the legal process continues, there may be ongoing investigations or appeals related to this case. The community in Bradford remains affected by the event, with memorials and support efforts for the victims' families. The conviction of Sunderland marks a significant step in holding all responsible parties accountable. The case has drawn attention to issues of domestic violence and the severe consequences of revenge attacks, prompting discussions about community safety and legal responses to such crimes.