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Thug jailed for life for family inferno
6 Mar
Summary
- Man jailed for life for murdering ex-girlfriend's sister and her three children.
- Arson attack was botched revenge for a relationship breakup.
- Victim's sister was the intended target but escaped the blaze.
Sharaz Ali, 40, has been given a whole life order for murdering Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her three children. The fire was set in August 2024 at their Bradford home, a botched revenge attack fueled by jealousy. Ali's former partner, Antonia Gawith, had ended their relationship, and he targeted her family.
Antonia managed to escape the inferno, but Bryonie and her children, Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle, were trapped and died. Ali, who poured petrol on Antonia and himself before setting the fire, sustained severe burns and requires ongoing medical assistance. He was motivated by revenge and sexual jealousy, sending aggressive messages to Antonia prior to the attack.
During sentencing at Doncaster Crown Court, the judge stated Ali planned to 'wipe out a family,' viewing the children as 'collateral damage.' Calum Sunderland, who drove Ali to the property, received a life sentence with a minimum of 18 years for manslaughter, claiming he believed Ali intended only to burn a car.
