Accused of fatal fire denies killing for drugs

A man implicated in a deadly house fire has rejected claims that he would "kill for crack cocaine," stating, "I'd rather rob a bank."

The fire in August 2024 claimed the lives of 29-year-old Bryonie Gawith and her three children: nine-year-old Denisty, five-year-old Oscar, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle. The tragedy occurred at their Westbury Road home in Bradford.

Sharaz Ali, 40, and Calum Sunderland, 26, face four counts of murder, as well as the attempted murder of Bryonies sister, Antonia Gawith, and charges related to causing grievous bodily harm.

During his trial at Doncaster Crown Court, Mr. Sunderland repeatedly refused to answer questions, asserting, "I'm not a murderer." Prosecutors claim he was recruited by Ali for a retaliatory attack against his former partner, Antonia Gawith, who had been staying with Bryonie after ending her relationship with Ali.

The trial was paused after Mr. Sunderland declined to continue answering the prosecution's questions. When he resumed, he left the witness stand multiple times, emphasizing he did not wish to respond, before eventually requesting to be returned to prison. He acknowledged that the jury could interpret his silence negatively, and that the trial could proceed without his presence.

In cross-examination, Mr. Sunderland insisted that he did not set the fire, saying, "I didn't pour petrol, I didnt set no fire, it makes no sense." He admitted involvement in the drug scene with Ali but claimed ignorance of Ali's personal motives.

He explained that he was initially recruited to "burn a car" and would not have participated had he known people were inside the house. When questioned about being motivated by money, he stated, "If that was the case why didn't I just go and rob my mum's house? Theres quicker ways to make money."

Evidence presented included doorbell camera footage showing Mr. Sunderland approaching the property with a petrol canister, kicking the door down on Alis instruction, and then fleeing. Prosecutors allege that Ali entered the house, poured petrol inside and on himself and Antonia, and ignited a "catastrophic" fire that killed Bryonie and her children.

Ali contends that he intended only to set himself on fire in front of Antonia and did not plan to kill anyone else. Both men deny all charges. The trial is ongoing.

Mohammed Shabir, 45, who transported Ali and Sunderland to the house and was due to face trial with them, died of a heart attack while on remand.

Author: Noah Whitman