A shocking case has concluded with Sharaz Ali convicted of a devastating crime in Bradford. Blinded by jealousy, and impaired by drugs and alcohol, Ali set fire to a home, leading to the tragic deaths of Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her three young children, Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and Aubree, just 22 months old. This horrifying act of revenge on his ex-partner’s sister has shaken the community to its core.
The court uncovered that Ali, driven by revenge over a broken relationship, didn’t care about who was in the house when he unleashed the disaster. Despite Antonia Gawith’s brave attempts to save her sister and the children, the inferno proved too deadly. The heroic efforts of emergency services were praised in the bleak aftermath, but the heartache remains immeasurable.
Alongside Ali, Calum Sunderland was involved in this appalling crime. Though Sunderland was acquitted of murder, he was convicted of manslaughter for his role in the tragedy. As details emerged, it became clear that what was planned as a vengeful act had turned into an unimaginable horror.
In a poignant moment, the family remembered Bryonie as a vibrant, joyful person, with her children, fondly named “Chuch”, “Oggy”, and “Strawberry”, the centre of her world. Their loss has left a void that can never be filled.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson noted that this disaster left a mother and children defenceless, and it was Ali’s actions that forced them into this horrific fate. The community now hopes that the conviction brings a measure of justice to the heartbroken family.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the destructive power of jealousy and the tragic impact it can have on families and communities. Let’s hold our loved ones close and support each other through times of grief and healing.