Bradford house fire murder accused dies in prison just weeks before standing trial

The three men denied the murders of Bryonie Gawith, 29, and nine-year-old Denisty, five-year-old Oscar and 22-month old Aubree Birtle, following a blaze on Westbury Road in August 2024.

The trio also denied the attempted murder of Ms Gawaith's sister, Antonia Gawaith.

Shabir, from Keighley, died in HMP Leeds on Wednesday.

The Prison Service has since confirmed that Shabir died at HMP Leeds on Wednesday, September 24.

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is now set to investigate his death.

A Prison Service spokesman said: “Mohammed Shabir died on 24 September 2025 at HMP Leeds.

"As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.”

"As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate," a Ministry of Justice spokesman added.

The trial of Mr Sunderland and Mr Ali is expected to go ahead in November as planned.

The Crown Prosecution Service has also confirmed that a mention hearing is scheduled for October 20 at Bradford Crown Court.

During a brief hearing in July, the Honourable Mr Justice Nicholas Hilliard confirmed that the three men would face a joint trial, having previously set the November 17 trial date.

However, Justice Hilliard extended the custody time limits for all three men to November 19, keeping them remanded in custody.

Mr Ali, who was arrested at the scene of the fire in August 2024, was not initially expected to survive.

He had sustained serious injuries from the blaze.

He was charged with murder in March after making a “marked improvement”.

Initial court hearings heard how Mr Ali was "in a coma".

It was also feared that he would not be ready for trial "even if he does wake up".

Doctors later concluded that Mr Ali was fit to stand trial.

The 40-year-old initially appeared via video-link from his hospital bed.

Prosecutor David Brooke KC said in March: "Although his prognosis was very poor, he has made a recovery, although as you can see he is still in hospital and in a hospital bed.

"He was charged this morning formally, having been interviewed a week ago and appeared at magistrates' court at 10am."

West Yorkshire Police previously confirmed that Mr Ali was the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family.