A man has been found guilty of murdering a woman and her three young children after deliberately starting a fire at their home in Bradford in what prosecutors described as a “revenge attack”.
Sharaz Ali, 40, was convicted of killing 29-year-old Bryonie Gawith and her children — Denisty (9), Oscar (5), and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle — after setting fire to their Westbury Road home on 21 August 2024. The attack took place shortly after Ali’s relationship with Bryonie’s sister, Antonia, had ended.
Ali was also found guilty of attempting to murder Antonia Gawith, who had been staying in the house at the time. The verdict was delivered at Doncaster Crown Court.
Co-accused Acquitted of Murder, Convicted of Manslaughter
Ali’s associate, Calum Sunderland, 26, was cleared of murder and attempted murder but convicted of four counts of manslaughter for helping break into the property before the blaze.
Outside the court, a devastated Antonia said:
“Even with justice, nothing will ever make this right.
Our beautiful B was the glue that held us together. She lived every day for her children, and they will never get the chance to grow up or experience life as they should have.”
‘Motivated by Jealousy’
During the trial, prosecutors said Ali, “motivated by jealousy and fuelled by drink and drugs”, had intended to cause “maximum pain” and was indifferent to who might be inside — even though he knew the children were at home.
On the night of the attack, Ali and Sunderland drove to the house after stopping at a petrol station in Keighley to fill a fuel canister. Ali also sent a series of threatening messages to Antonia, accusing her of being with another man.
Doorbell footage captured the men approaching the home. Sunderland kicked down the door on Ali’s order before fleeing, while Ali entered the property with the fuel can.
House Set Ablaze After Struggle Inside
Antonia told the court she had confronted Ali inside the house, trying to grab the fuel canister and lighter out of his hands. She eventually ran outside to draw him away from the home.
Ali then attempted to get upstairs but was blocked by Bryonie. Moments later, he ignited the fuel, triggering an explosive fire that engulfed the home and left him with burns to 80% of his body.
Bryonie and her three children, who were sleeping upstairs, were unable to escape. Experts said the children likely lost consciousness quickly due to smoke inhalation.
Ali Survived After Months in Coma
Doctors initially believed Ali would not recover from his injuries, and he was placed in an induced coma for four months. He later appeared via video link for the verdict, reportedly wiping away tears.
A third man, Mohammed Shabir, accused of driving Ali and Sunderland to the home, died of a heart attack in prison before the trial concluded.
Sunderland, a convicted arsonist with a history of drug use, claimed he believed he was helping Ali burn a car and did not know people were in the house. He refused to answer many questions during cross-examination.
Police Condemn ‘Callous’ Attack
Det Ch Insp Stacey Atkinson from West Yorkshire Police said the actions of Ali and Sunderland were “horrific and truly callous”.
“They left a mother and her three young children utterly helpless while their loved one watched on in terror,” she said. “Despite the family’s incredible strength, they now face a lifetime of grief.”
Sentencing will take place at a later date.