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Prosecutors In Closing Say Bradford House Fire Was Jealousy-Fuelled Revenge Attack

Prosecutors deliver a closing argument framing the blaze as a revenge arson driven by jealousy, citing petrol, a lighter and threatening texts.

Overview

  • Jurors at Doncaster Crown Court heard prosecutors allege Sharaz Ali set a fire that killed Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her children Denisty, 9, Oscar, 5, and Aubree, 22 months.
  • Prosecutor David Brooke KC said Ali poured petrol inside the Bradford house, on himself and on Antonia Gawith, then used a lighter to start a catastrophic blaze.
  • Police who arrived first entered the burning home and rescued Ali, who later told the court he intended only to set himself alight in front of Antonia.
  • The prosecution highlighted messages they say Ali sent to Antonia that showed anger and threats, arguing he was motivated by jealousy and fuelled by drink and drugs.
  • Co-accused Calum Sunderland is alleged to have arrived with petrol and a lighter and kicked in the door, with Ring camera footage cited, while Mohammed Shabir, alleged to be the driver, died in custody; Ali and Sunderland deny the charges and the trial continues.