Bradford Arson Attack: Man Convicted of Murdering Woman and Three Children
Published 10 December 2025
Highlights
- Sharaz Ali was found guilty of murdering Bryonie Gawith and her three children in a Bradford house fire on August 21, 2024.
- The fire was a revenge attack after Ali's relationship with Antonia Gawith ended; he was also convicted of her attempted murder.
- Co-accused Calum Sunderland was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter for his involvement in the incident.
- The court heard Ali was driven by jealousy and substance abuse, intending to inflict maximum pain on the family.
- Antonia Gawith described Ali as controlling and violent, revealing the abusive nature of their seven-year relationship.
In a harrowing case that has gripped the community, Sharaz Ali, 40, has been found guilty of murdering Bryonie Gawith and her three young children in a devastating house fire in Bradford. The tragic incident, which occurred in the early hours of August 21, 2024, was described by prosecutors as a calculated revenge attack fueled by jealousy and substance abuse.
A Tragic Night
The Doncaster Crown Court heard that Ali, motivated by the end of his tumultuous relationship with Antonia Gawith, set fire to the home where she was staying with her sister Bryonie. The blaze claimed the lives of Bryonie, 29, and her children, Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle, who were trapped upstairs and unable to escape.
Ali, who was also convicted of the attempted murder of Antonia, reportedly wanted to "inflict maximum pain" and "did not care who was there," according to the prosecution. Despite his claims of intending to take his own life in the fire, Ali survived with severe burns covering 80% of his body.
Co-Accused and Court Proceedings
Calum Sunderland, 26, who was accused of assisting Ali, was cleared of murder and attempted murder but found guilty of four counts of manslaughter. Sunderland's role involved breaking into the house, allowing Ali to carry out his deadly plan. The court was shown Ring doorbell footage capturing the two men approaching the house, with Sunderland kicking down the door before fleeing.
Antonia Gawith, in her testimony, recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the fire. She described confronting Ali and attempting to wrestle a petrol canister and lighter from him before running outside in a desperate bid to lure him away from the house.
A History of Abuse
The court also heard about the abusive nature of Ali and Antonia's seven-year relationship. Antonia described Ali as controlling and violent, revealing that her sister Bryonie had been her support system, encouraging her to end the relationship. In a chilling message to Antonia, Ali had threatened, "Better start praying cos now I’m going to get involved in her life and everyone is going to feel it."
Antonia, who was working at Tesco on the night of the fire, returned home to find Ali forcing his way into the house and pouring petrol. Despite her frantic efforts to save her sister and nieces and nephew, the fire spread too quickly.
What this might mean
The conviction of Sharaz Ali brings some measure of justice to the grieving family, but the emotional scars from this tragedy will linger. The case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the extreme lengths to which abusers may go when relationships end.
Moving forward, this case may prompt further discussions on the need for stronger protective measures for victims of domestic abuse. Legal experts suggest that the case could influence future legislation aimed at preventing similar tragedies. As the community mourns the loss of Bryonie and her children, there is hope that increased awareness and support can prevent such incidents in the future.
