TWO men today denied murdering a mum and her three children in a house fire.
Bryonie Gawith, 29, Denisty Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle were all killed in the horror in Bradford.
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Mohammed Shabir, 44, and Calum Sunderland, 25, appeared at Bradford Crown Court today.
They pleaded not guilty to four counts of murder and a further charge of attempting to murder Bryonie’s sister Antonia Gawith.
The court was told the “main suspect” in the horror remains unconscious in hospital and will not be ready for trial “even if he does wake up”.
Police previously confirmed the 39-year-old is an ex-partner of a woman who had been visiting the family.
Shabir and Sunderland were remanded into custody ahead of a provisional trial in March.
The horror unfolded on August 21 when flames engulfed the home in the early hours.
An inquest was told previously that emergency crews were called at around 2.07am.
Tragically, Bryonie was declared dead at the scene just 40 minutes later.
Police said they believe the home was deliberately set alight.
Specialist officers are supporting the family, including the children’s dad Jonathan.
In a moving tribute, he said he was “absolutely distraught at the sudden loss of my fiancée, Bryonie and our three beautiful children”.
Jonathan added: “Bryonie and I were together for a long time, and we had a good life together.
“She was a beautiful woman and a loving mother to Oscar, Aubree and Denisty.
“I loved them with all my heart and if I had the chance, I would take their place in a heartbeat. I cannot imagine life without them.
“They will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart.”
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