Jealous Ex Sets Family Home Ablaze in Deadly Revenge Attack
A jealous ex, high on drink and drugs, sparked a tragic murder spree in Bradford. Sharaz Ali, 40, deliberately torched the house of his ex’s sister, Bryonie Gawith, 29, killing her and her three young children in a horrifying blaze.
The fire broke out in the early hours of 21 August 2024. Bryonie’s children—Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and baby Aubree, just 22 months—perished alongside her, leaving a devastated family shattered beyond repair.
Vicious Revenge on Abusive Ex
Ali targeted Bryonie’s Westbury Road home weeks after his ex, Antonia Gawith, fled their abusive seven-year relationship. Prosecutors revealed Ali was hell-bent on revenge, tracking Antonia down with deadly intent.
Grim doorbell footage shown in Doncaster Crown Court caught Ali instructing accomplice Calum Sunderland, 26, a known arsonist, to “kick the door in.” Sunderland, armed with petrol and a lighter, obeyed before fleeing in a getaway car—leaving Ali alone to set the fatal fire.
Survivor’s Heartbreaking Plea: “I Couldn’t Save Them”
Antonia managed to escape but was forced to watch her sister and three young nieces and nephews die. In a heartbreaking police interview, she wept, “I was just screaming, trying to get back in the house and I couldn’t get in. I couldn’t save them.”
She described Ali storming inside, dousing her in petrol and setting fire to himself and the house in a drug-fuelled fury meant to punish her.
Despite suffering burns himself, Ali told the court, “I didn’t want to hurt anyone but myself.” The jury quickly dismissed his claim, convicting him of four counts of murder and attempted murder of Antonia.
Accomplices and Callous Crimes
- Calum Sunderland was found guilty of manslaughter for Bryonie and her children, but cleared on charges of murder and attempted murder of Antonia.
- A third co-conspirator, Mohammed Shabir, 45, who drove them to the scene, died of a heart attack in prison before his trial.
- The trio stopped en route to fill a petrol can, proving chilling premeditation.
Justice for Victims, But Grief Lingers
Outside court, Antonia’s victim statement revealed the raw pain left behind: “Nothing will ever make this right… Nothing will ever bring back our family.”
Judge Mr Justice Hilliard described the murders as “distressing beyond measure,” and praised neighbours and emergency services for their heroic efforts to save the children.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson slammed Ali and Sunderland’s “horrific and truly callous actions.” Prosecutor Amanda McInnes branded Ali a “selfish killer” driven by jealousy.
This tragic case shines a brutal light on the deadly consequences of domestic abuse. Antonia’s escape from violence ended in heartbreaking loss.
Ali and Sunderland now face long sentences behind bars. But no jail time can undo the horror or heal the family left in ruins.
