Jail for 'brutal, cold-blooded' man who killed sister and set home on fire

Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find distressing.

A man who murdered his sister and then set a fire outside his niece's bedroom in a Portadown home in March 2023 has been sentenced to at least 24 years in prison.

In handing down the sentence, Madam Justice McBride described 27-year-old Kornelijus Bracas of Tresna Park, Randalstown, as "one of the most brutal, cold-blooded murderers" she has come across, adding that he had "demonstrated gratuitous violence".

Alesia Nazarova, 37, died at her home after her brother attacked her and set fires around the home.

His niece was also in the house and had to be rescued by firefighters after a headboard was placed to block her door.

Bracas pleaded guilty to the murder of his sister last year but the judge said "he has not expressed any genuine or real remorse".

The court heard that Bracas and Ms Nazarova had argued when she had asked him to help with household chores.

During police interviews Bracas claimed he had "snapped" after his sister screamed at him.

He said he strangled her and then stabbed her multiple times.

Ms Nazarova, the court heard, was still alive when the fires were lit.

Bracas was arrested in Portadown and subsequently pleaded guilty to murder.

He also pleaded guilty to arson endangering the life of his niece and arson being reckless as to whether the life of others would be endangered.

The judge referenced a victim impact statement written by Ms Nazarova's partner who wrote of how they had planned to marry and the devastation her murder had caused.

She was described as a cheerful person.

In his statement he said he thinks about Ms Nazarova every day.

Both Ms Nazarova and her brother are originally from Lithuania.

The judge said there were several aggravating factors in the case including the fact Bracas blocked his niece from escaping her room and set fire to the deceased while she was still alive.

The judge also pointed out he had tried to burn the house down and destroy the crime scene.

She also spoke about the fact this was a domestic violence case and Bracas's misogynistic attitude towards women was evidenced by his claim his sister has treated him like "garbage" by asking him to do chores.

The judge said domestic violence is a scourge on society in Northern Ireland.

Detective Inspector Sean Armstrong said violence against women and girls "is not, and never has been, acceptable" and that Bracas has been held to account after tearing a loving family apart.

He added: "The memories of that disturbing scene will be etched in my memory forever, and I'd like to acknowledge the efforts and support of my colleagues who also attended."

He thanked the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service whose "actions and bravery" saved a young girl's life.

In a statement a Public Prosecution Service (PPS) spokesperson said "violence against women and girls is an extremely prevalent and deeply concerning issue in society today".

"Anyone of any age or gender can be the victim of domestic abuse, and it is never acceptable," they added.

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by domestic abuse or violence, the BBC Action Line provides organisations that can help.