There is an update on the man who was arrested in connection with the tragic house fire that claimed the lives of a mother and her three children. According to the court, the man is currently in a coma, and there are concerns about his recovery.
Tragedy struck when Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her three children—Denisty Birtle, nine; Oscar Birtle, five; and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle—lost their lives in a devastating fire at their home in Bradford.
On Thursday, Mohammed Shabir, 44, and Calum Sunderland, 25, both of Keighley, appeared at a crown court for the first time.
The men are facing charges for the tragic incident involving Gawith and the three children, as well as the attempted murder of Antonia Gawith. The prosecutor, Matthew Bean, revealed to Bradford Crown Court that there was an additional individual who was currently in a coma.
Bean mentioned that the individual in question is currently in poor health, and there is concern that they may not improve. There seems to be some uncertainty surrounding his current situation.
It seems like there might be a couple more individuals involved in separate but related offences.
Shabir and Sunderland made a surprise appearance on a video link from prison. They were not required to provide any response to the charges.
The pair were held in custody until their next appearance at the same court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 25 September.
Judge Jonathan Rose, the recorder of Bradford, has set a tentative trial date of 4 March.
Bean mentioned that the trial’s duration is estimated to be around eight to 10 days, but it might extend if there are additional defendants or if the third suspect makes a recovery.
According to West Yorkshire police, Sunderland was apprehended following investigations in the Keighley area, located to the northwest of Bradford, during the early hours of Monday. Did you hear about what happened to Shabir? Apparently, he got himself into some trouble and ended up getting arrested. Can you believe it? I heard he showed up at the police station after 10am on the same day. Juicy stuff, right?
According to authorities, there are currently four individuals still being investigated, one of whom is a 39-year-old man. He was apprehended at the location and is currently in critical condition at a hospital.
Tragically, Gawith passed away at the scene, while the three children succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
Last week, the family of the victims expressed their deep sorrow and grief over the loss of their loved ones. They are going through an incredibly difficult time.
Home Farm primary school, where the two oldest children, Denisty and Oscar, were pupils, mentioned that their mother had a consistently cheerful and positive demeanour. The school also shared that the children were excited for Aubree to join them in the future.