A man accused of killing four members of a family in a devastating house fire in Bradford allegedly set the blaze as part of a violent revenge attack targeting his former partner, a court heard on Tuesday.
Prosecutors told Doncaster Crown Court that Sharaz Ali, 40, acted out of “jealousy, anger and intoxication” when he ignited a petrol-fuelled fire at a property on Westbury Road in the early hours of 21 August last year. The blaze claimed the lives of 29-year-old Bryonie Gawith and her children — nine-year-old Denisty Birtle, five-year-old Oscar Birtle and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle.
Alleged Attack Intended for Ex-Partner
The court heard that Ali’s intended target was Bryonie’s sister, Antonia Gawith, who had recently ended a seven-year relationship with him. Antonia had taken refuge at her sister’s home while Ali moved out of her property after what prosecutors described as a pattern of alcohol-fuelled, abusive behaviour.
According to prosecutor David Brooke KC, Ali, accompanied by 26-year-old Calum Sunderland, travelled from Keighley to Bradford shortly before 2 a.m. after purchasing a seven-litre petrol container en route. Ring doorbell footage allegedly captured Ali instructing Sunderland to “kick the door in,” which Sunderland did before returning to a waiting car driven by a third man, 45-year-old Mohammed Shabir.
Once inside the property, Ali allegedly poured petrol throughout the ground floor and ignited it, triggering a fire so rapid and intense that neighbours were unable to intervene. Antonia managed to escape, but Bryonie and her children were trapped upstairs.
Suspect Injured While Fleeing Blaze
Prosecutors said Ali suffered severe burns during the fire and had to be pulled from the house by police officers who arrived at the scene. Sunderland and Shabir fled in a car immediately after the ignition, jurors were told. Shabir died of a heart attack in custody last month while awaiting trial.
Brooke told the jury: “The evidence shows Ali went to that house intending to kill at least Antonia Gawith by setting the building alight. His actions instead resulted in the deaths of her sister and three young children.”
Tension Escalated After Separation
The court heard that Antonia decided to leave Ali during a family holiday earlier that month after he phoned her while intoxicated, leading to what prosecutors described as “yet another argument.” Bryonie had reportedly urged her sister for years to end the relationship due to Ali’s aggression.
In the days leading up to the fire, Ali allegedly sent Antonia a stream of calls and messages, some pleading, others threatening. On the night of the blaze, he called Sunderland and then sent Antonia several late-night messages, including one asking about her work schedule and others described as increasingly hostile.
Charges and Pleas
Ali and Sunderland both deny charges of murder and attempted murder. The prosecution argues that Ali was the principal offender and that Sunderland assisted in the break-in and escape. The trial is expected to continue for several weeks.
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Source:Africa Publicity
