UPDATE: A trial has just begun at Doncaster Crown Court for two men accused of the shocking murder of a mother and her three young children in a devastating house fire in Bradford. The court proceedings commenced on November 18, 2023, and are expected to last at least four weeks.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of August 21, 2022, when Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her children—Denisty Birtle, 9, Oscar Birtle, 5, and Aubree Birtle, just 22 months old—lost their lives in a fire at their home on Westbury Road, Bradford. The accused, Sharaz Ali, 40, and Calum Sunderland, 26, are also charged with attempting to murder Ms. Gawith’s sister, Antonia Gawith.
This trial comes amid heightened emotions for the victims’ families and the local community, who are reeling from the tragic loss. The jury selection process concluded on Monday, with a panel of 14 jurors chosen to hear the case. Prosecutor David Brooke KC is set to open the case on Tuesday, with the jury to be reduced to 12 after the opening statements.
Adding to the complexity of the trial, a third suspect, Mohammed Shabir, 45, who was also due to stand trial, has died of a heart attack last month while in prison. He was being held on remand at HMP Leeds when he collapsed on September 24 and was transported to Leeds General Infirmary.
The trial will focus on the harrowing details surrounding the fire and the accused’s alleged intentions. Earlier hearings revealed that Ali had been in a coma since the incident and was not initially expected to be well enough to participate in the trial. However, doctors noted a “marked improvement” in his condition earlier this year, leading to charges being brought against him in March after he was deemed fit to stand trial.
As the case unfolds, the community continues to mourn the loss of a mother and her children, with many expressing their hopes for justice. The trial is expected to extend until at least December 23, 2023, as the court examines the evidence and testimonies surrounding this tragic event.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
