UPDATE: A shocking testimony emerged today in the ongoing murder trial as Sharaz Ali, 40, claimed he entered the home of Bryonie Gawith with the intent to set himself on fire in front of his ex-partner. This harrowing declaration comes as Ali faces charges for the murders of Gawith and her three children, Denisty, Oscar, and Aubree Birtle, in a tragic incident that occurred on August 21, 2022, in Bradford.
During the proceedings at Doncaster Crown Court, Ali revealed his mental state leading up to the incident, stating he had been drinking and using cocaine the day before. He described sending a menacing message to Antonia Gawith, Bryonie’s sister, expressing distress over their relationship’s collapse. Ali claimed the message was an “empty threat,” asserting his emotional turmoil rather than a genuine intent to harm anyone.
The court heard that Ali had planned to end his life in a dramatic fashion, saying, “I wanted to end my life by setting myself on fire.” He indicated that he had arranged for his co-accused, Calum Sunderland, to help him with this plan, although he did not disclose his intentions to Sunderland.
On the day of the fire, Ali stated he intended to carry out his plan in front of Antonia because of his love for her, stating, “She left me and I couldn’t take it.” However, he insisted he did not mean to harm her or her family.
As the situation escalated, Ali described a struggle over a canister of petrol with Antonia, which led to a chaotic scene. He recalled, “I looked around, she was outside, by that time Bryonie was at the top of the stairs and I put it [the lighter] next to my chest and I just lit it.” This act resulted in the devastating fire that claimed the lives of Bryonie and her children.
When emergency services arrived, Ali refused treatment, expressing a desire to die and was subsequently sedated and fell into a coma. He later claimed to have no recollection of the events that transpired during the fire.
The court has been presented with a complex narrative, including a video Ali sent to Antonia showing self-harm, which his defense contends was a plea for help. In a tense exchange, prosecutors suggested his actions were manipulative, to which Ali vehemently disagreed.
The trial continues, with the court set to hear more evidence that could shed light on the tragic events that unfolded that fateful day. As the case develops, it raises pressing questions about mental health, domestic relationships, and the tragic consequences of unresolved conflicts.
Stay with us for the latest updates as this urgent trial unfolds.
