Overview
- Doncaster Crown Court sentenced Ali, 40, for murdering Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her children Denisty, 9, Oscar, 5, and Aubree, 22 months, and for the attempted murder of his ex-partner, Antonia Gawith.
- Accomplice Calum Sunderland, 27, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 16 years and 175 days for manslaughter after kicking in the door and assisting the attack; he was acquitted of attempting to murder Antonia.
- Prosecutors said Ali acted out of jealousy after an abusive seven-year relationship ended, using petrol to ignite the house after travelling to the address with Sunderland, as shown on CCTV and confirmed by witness evidence.
- Mr Justice Hilliard praised Bryonie’s “immense courage” for staying to protect her children, while Antonia, the intended target who escaped, delivered a tearful statement describing the lasting trauma.
- The court noted Ali’s severe burn injuries and ongoing medical needs but ruled they did not reduce his culpability; he also received a concurrent life sentence with a 37-year minimum term for the attempted murder.