A judge delays deciding if three men accused of murder in a house fire will face a joint trial. Medical evaluations are pending.
Sadly, four people died in the fire. Bryonie Gawith and three young kids, Denisty, Oscar, and Aubree Birtle, passed away. The fire happened at their home on Westbury Road. It was a really awful arson attack.
Shabir and Sunderland are denying everything. They claim they didn’t murder Bryonie and the kids. They also deny trying to murder Bryonie’s sister, Antonia. The prosecution calls Ali the “principal offender.” Ali was badly hurt in the fire.
He was even in a coma until December. He improved enough to talk to the police in February. He’s now charged with four murders and attempted murder. During questioning, Ali stayed silent.
His statement said he doesn’t remember the fire. He also won’t agree to a medical exam. He appeared in court via video from the hospital. The judge wants to know more about Ali’s health.
Mr. Justice Hilliard seeks expert medical advice. He needs to know if Ali can stand trial. He also needs to check Ali’s mental abilities. The judge will get medical advice next week, March 10.
Then, he will decide if all three men get a joint trial. The prosecutor wants to delay Shabir and Sunderland’s trial. He wants a joint trial in six to nine months. Shabir and Sunderland’s lawyers are not happy.
They say both men are ready for trial now. They have been waiting in custody for a long time. One lawyer said Ali might never face trial. The judge has postponed the hearing until March 10.
Shabir and Sunderland remain in jail for now. Ali stays in the hospital, guarded by police. He will move to a prison later.