A man from Dewsbury has been sentenced to over 21 years in prison for causing a fire that claimed the life of one person and caused severe injuries to five others.
Tahir Nazir, 40, residing on West Park Street, Dewsbury, received a total sentence of 21 years and nine months at Leeds Crown Court today (Monday) for the charge of manslaughter. This was in connection to a devastating fire he initiated at a multi-occupancy residential building on Queen Street, Dewsbury, on Sunday, April 10, 2022.
He will remain in custody for 17 years and nine months before becoming eligible for release on licence.
The fire resulted in the tragic passing of Nicolae Alin Gavrila, 35, who was inside the property at the time. Additionally, four men and one woman within the house sustained injuries.
Authorities were alerted to a house fire on Queen Street, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, at 12.04am, which had started late on the preceding Saturday evening. The five individuals inside were evacuated and received immediate treatment.
Several other residences were also evacuated as the fire spread to neighbouring houses. Firefighters discovered Mr. Gavrila’s body later as they worked through the building.
Nazir was apprehended on April 13 and subsequently charged.
Detective Inspector Suzanne Hall of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said; “Tahir Nazir demonstrated an absolute disregard for life with his actions inside the property which resulted in the death of Mr Gavrila and caused injuries to five other occupants.
“We hope the outcome at court will now help to bring a measure of closure to Mr Gavrila’s family in Romania, and to the other victims in this case.”
The family of Mr Gavrila said he was much loved and had come to England for a better life, but instead had that life taken from him through the actions of Tahir Nazir.
In a statement read to the court, his mother said; “As a result of Nicolae’s death, I feel like I have categorically lost a part of me. I feel like there will always be a part of me missing, and my life will never be the same.”
