The tragic mother who died alongside her three children in a house fire had allegedly been strangled and assaulted by her ex-partner prior to her death, it emerged today.<br /><br />Bryonie Gawith, 29, died alongside Denisty Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 month-old, following the fire in Bradford, West Yorks., on Wednesday.<br /><br />Scaffolder Jonathan Birtle, 34, appeared before Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court accused of strangulation, assault and theft.<br /><br />He was also charged with possession of cannabis and will appear before Bradford Crown Court next week.
