Man on trial for 'strangling his children's mother' before fatal fire

A grieving father, whose three young children and former partner died in a house blaze in Bradford just weeks after he allegedly strangled the woman, has been told he will still face trial for the attack. 

Jonathan Birtle, 34, was on remand in custody for the alleged domestic assault when the family home was deliberately torched in a completely unrelated matter.

Bryonie Gawith, 29, and children Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle all died following the fire in Bradford in August.

Two men have been charged with four counts of murder and will stand trial separately - as police concluded the fire and Birtle's earlier assault on his partner are not linked.

Birtle, who was in custody for allegedly strangling Miss Gawith in July, was released on bail the day after the fatal blaze for compassionate reasons.

He had hoped the prosecution would be dropped as a result of his loss, but he was told the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) intends to proceed.

Read More

EXCLUSIVE
Tragic mother, 29, who was killed along her three children aged nine, five and one was allegedly strangled and assaulted by her former partner less than a month ago

Today at Bradford Crown Court, Birtle pleaded not guilty to three charges, while his legal representation explained he may be 'unfit' to stand trial due to his psychiatric state.

He denied the intentional strangulation of Miss Gawith, assault occasioning actual bodily harm on her and the theft of her mobile phone. 

All offences are said to have occurred at their home a month before the fatal blaze.

Birtle was supported in court by three family members, who sat in the public gallery for the ten minute hearing.

Fuad Arshad, representing Birtle in court, told Judge Kirstie Watson: 'This defendant is currently in a state of trauma and I have concerns for his psychiatric standing.

'It is therefore the intention of the defence to seek a report from a psychiatrist as to whether he is fit to stand trial.'

A report must be before the judge by November 8.

Mr Arshad added: 'He wishes it to be known in open court that he is very alarmed and distressed that the Crown Prosecution Service has decided to continue this prosecution against him and wishes that to be echoed in court.'

Birtle has also requested that his ankle tag is removed and his bail conditions amended, because the funerals for his children will be held next week.

Read More

Mother was 'murdered' in house fire along with her three young children just 40 minutes after 999 call to police to report family home was ablaze, inquest hears

He is currently subject to a 6pm to 6am curfew after he was released on bail by the Recorder of Bradford Jonathan Rose on 22 August, the day after the fire.

Mr Arshad said about the ankle tag: 'That was for good reason. His Honour was concerned that the defendant, once released, may do something that he may regret later, bearing in mind his children and wife had died in circumstances the court is aware of.'

A bail hearing has been scheduled before Judge Rose for Tuesday, next week.

A trial date has been set for 6 January 2026.

Mohammed Shabir, 44, and Calum Sunderland, 25, of Keighley, have pleaded not guilty to four counts of murder and the attempted murder of Ms Gawith's sister, Antonia Gawith. That murder trial is listed for 4 March, next year.

Another man, who has not been named, is also suspected of involvement but remains in hospital with injuries incurred at the scene of the fire. He is understood to be critically ill.

West Yorkshire Police previously confirmed the man in hospital was the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family at the time of the fire.

Ms Gawith died at the scene, while her three children later died from their injuries in hospital.