Mum and Three Children Killed in Jealous Ex’s Fire

Published: 19 November 2025 Wednesday . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A tragic and shocking case has unfolded in Bradford, where a mother and her three young children were killed in a fire set deliberately by her sister’s former partner, a court has heard. The incident, which took place in August last year on Westbury Road, claimed the lives of 29-year-old Bryonie Gawith and her children, nine-year-old Denisty, five-year-old Oscar, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle. The horror of that night, as revealed during the opening of the trial at Doncaster Crown Court, has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised profound questions about domestic violence, jealousy, and the devastating consequences of premeditated violence.

The prosecution presented evidence indicating that Sharaz Ali, 40, the ex-partner of Antonia Gawith—Bryonie’s sister—was the “main mover” behind the attack. The court heard that Ali was motivated by jealousy and anger toward his ex-partner, and had taken deliberate steps to exact revenge, despite the presence of innocent family members in the home. Ali, of no fixed address, and his co-defendant Calum Sunderland, 26, of Keighley, both deny four counts of murder, the attempted murder of Antonia Gawith, and attempting to cause her grievous bodily harm.

Prosecutor David Brooke KC told the jury that the attack was “fuelled by drink and drugs” and driven by a desire to harm Antonia, with no regard for the catastrophic consequences for others in the house. According to Mr Brooke, Ali poured petrol inside the property and set it alight just after 2:00 am BST on 21 August, deliberately creating a fire that rapidly engulfed the building. Bryonie Gawith and her three children were unable to escape the “catastrophic” blaze, while Antonia managed to flee the house and survive, highlighting the indiscriminate and lethal nature of the attack.

The court was shown how the fire escalated within minutes. Witnesses described seeing the flames spread explosively through the property, with screaming captured on doorbell footage as panic and terror consumed the family. Antonia, according to the prosecution, initially encountered Ali at the front door. The jury was told she had gone downstairs when she heard noises and was immediately confronted by him. Ali allegedly attempted to pour petrol over her, and she struggled to remove the petrol and lighter from him before fleeing outside, shouting for help. Her escape, however, did not save her sister or the children, who were trapped upstairs as the fire engulfed the staircase and the upper floors.

Bryonie Gawith reportedly tried to defend her children in the moments before the fire consumed the home. The prosecution stated that she was seen attempting to kick Ali as the fire spread, a desperate act of resistance in the face of imminent danger. Tragically, the inferno overtook both her and the children within minutes. Firefighters and police arrived promptly and managed to rescue Bryonie and her children, but despite their efforts, all four had succumbed to the flames by the time they reached safety.

The inquest also highlighted the actions of Sunderland, Ali’s co-defendant, who had accompanied him to the house. In a written statement to police, Sunderland denied knowledge of Ali’s intentions and described him as incoherent and under the influence of alcohol and drugs. He admitted to being aware that Ali could be violent but claimed not to have foreseen the deadly outcome of the night. His defence rests on his alleged lack of awareness and participation in the attack itself.

The trial has been complicated by the death of a third man, 45-year-old Mohammed Amjid Shabir, who had reportedly driven Ali and Sunderland to the scene. Shabir’s passing prior to the trial means he is no longer being prosecuted, though his involvement in the planning stages was outlined during court proceedings.

The prosecution painted a picture of premeditation and intense malice, noting that Ali had acted deliberately and with single-minded focus on revenge. Witnesses’ statements and evidence presented in court emphasized the calculated nature of the attack. It was not a spontaneous act but rather a violent manifestation of jealousy and anger toward his former partner, showing a profound disregard for human life. The deaths of Bryonie and her children, entirely innocent victims in the conflict, underline the tragic consequences of domestic violence extending beyond the immediate parties involved.

Antonia Gawith’s account to authorities described the harrowing moments of escape and her inability to save her sister and nieces and nephew. Her testimony, combined with doorbell footage and witness statements, forms a chilling reconstruction of the fire, revealing the speed and intensity with which the blaze overtook the home. The inquest has made clear that fire safety measures and rapid emergency response, while diligent, were insufficient to prevent the deaths once the petrol-fuelled inferno began.

The Bradford community has been left in shock, grappling with the enormity of the tragedy. Neighbours and local residents have described the Gawith family as close-knit, kind, and caring, and the violence of the fire has profoundly impacted the sense of safety in the area. Local authorities and domestic violence charities have stressed the importance of vigilance and support for those in potentially dangerous domestic situations, emphasizing that jealousy and intimate partner violence can escalate to fatal extremes if unchecked.

Fire investigators and law enforcement officers involved in the case have detailed the technical aspects of the blaze, highlighting how petrol, when deliberately poured in enclosed spaces, can create explosive conditions within seconds. The rapid spread of the fire, combined with the vulnerability of the occupants and the structure of the home, made escape nearly impossible for those trapped inside. Experts have noted that such acts of arson are among the most lethal forms of domestic violence, with little chance of survival for those caught in the immediate area.

The trial continues to examine the motivations, actions, and legal responsibilities of both Ali and Sunderland. The prosecution aims to establish beyond reasonable doubt that Ali orchestrated the attack and that Sunderland, despite claiming ignorance, aided and abetted the events of that fatal night. The case has raised broader societal questions about domestic violence, coercive behaviour, and the risks posed by intimate partner conflicts that escalate into lethal attacks.

This tragedy also underlines the importance of early intervention and effective support systems for individuals experiencing domestic abuse or threats from former partners. Experts emphasize that jealousy, obsessive behaviour, and substance abuse can combine in dangerous ways, creating volatile situations that may result in harm to innocent family members. Domestic violence charities have reiterated the need for accessible reporting mechanisms, community vigilance, and swift law enforcement responses to prevent similar incidents.

As the jury at Doncaster Crown Court deliberates, the story of Bryonie Gawith and her three children serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked anger and jealousy. It also highlights the heroism of those who survive such attacks, the tireless work of emergency responders, and the enduring grief of families and communities affected by sudden, preventable tragedies. The inquest ensures that the memories of those lost are not forgotten while prompting a critical discussion about safeguarding vulnerable families and preventing such horrific acts from occurring in the future.

The Gawith family fire is a case that will remain in the public consciousness for years, both as a cautionary tale about the deadly potential of personal vendettas and as a call to strengthen protections for those at risk from domestic violence. Bryonie and her children’s deaths, though irreversible, underscore the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and accountability, highlighting how acts of malice fueled by jealousy can leave indelible scars on communities.